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[ Cloud may have wanted her to decide when she's had enough, but she takes what he says as his sign to get up. And rather than chase after him and ask for more, she gives him an acknowledging nod before she pushes herself up and off him.

She has to fix her skirt in the process because it did get bunched up while she was on his lap.

Just because they've stopped touching and kissing each other that their celebration is done, though. Ayaka's just as excited for the next part. ]

What can I help with?

[ Cloud, meanwhile, has to rearrange the front of his own pants from having Ayaka roll in his lap for a while. Taking a deep breath, he doesn't feel dissatisfied for stopping, but he does need to calm down. If they move on, he'll be just fine! With a huff, he reaches for his cup of tea and takes another sip of it before setting it on the table once more. Getting to his feet, he extends his hand for Ayaka. He knows she can get up easily enough, but he's going to make sure she follows him into the kitchen! Hand in hand. ~~His serial handholder...~~ ]

I just wanna know if it's missing anything.

[ Or if it'll even look good to begin with... But guiding her into the kitchen, the smells of subtle spice and beefy broth fill the air, the lid of the pot shaking a little bit from all the bubbling and steam. He made sure to keep the temperature down nice and low...only now letting her go so he can take off the lid.

All so he can show her how much the stew has managed to reduce as the smell only gets stronger. ... he's not sure if he'll be able to make it the same way again. Call it a fluke, but practice makes perfect. Because it's looking really, really good. ]

Whaddya think?

[ Before they head to the kitchen, Ayaka tugs on Cloud's hand because she wants to visit his mom's portrait first! If she's sharing the chocolates he's gifted her to her own brother and retainer, then she thinks Claudia should have a share, too. Just a gesture, because a portrait can't exactly eat a ball of chocolate.

Letting go of his hand so she can slip away, kneel, say a prayer, she ends with offering a ball of chocolate in front of the portrait before asking for uppies. And yes, she takes the box of chocolates with her to the kitchen, too. Yet another prized possession, and something she'll likely reuse once all the chocolates have been eaten. Maybe it can be a letter box or something equally as sentimental.

Now they can go to the kitchen! Just being there fills her with excitement yet again, but she patiently waits for Cloud to lift the lid so she can get a proper look and to properly smell the spices and everything else come together.

It doesn't have to be anything like his mom's. If his mom inspired him to make this, and he did this for her? It is the sweetest and most thoughtful gift. It makes this White Day even more special.

Smiling up at him and gesturing to the pot, she makes a request. He wants to know if there's anything else missing, right? ]

I would like to try a bite, please.

[ Of course they visit his Mom's portrait. He doesn't have a proper shrine set up or anything quite yet, the picture of her and a young little beau sitting on a weaved clothed stand. This time, he stands back and lets Ayaka have a personal moment with Claudia. With each passing day, the memories of his mother and that fleeting moment they got to share together with her were becoming less bittersweet. There would always be a slightly somber air to it all, but Ayaka made remembering her that much brighter. Especially when she sets a little sakura chocolate ball in front of the portrait before she looks back up to him for uppies.

The way Cloud looks at her... He might have softened up around others compared to the way he was before. But there's a sense of adoration that only Kamisato Ayaka would come to know. She didn't just have his heart. It's like she said when they endured the Trial of Love all that time ago. Just as he held all of her, she had every piece of him in turn. The smile on his face told the whole story, kneeling down to take her hand and support her back to her feet before they return to the kitchen together. ]

Coming right up.

[ He wanted her to try it. And with the stew cooking low and slow, despite being hot, it wouldn't be scalding to the tongue either. Not after he gives it another stir with the big wooden spoon. But that wouldn't be what she tasted it with. Tapping the edge of the pot to get rid of the excess saucy goodness, he sets it down on the stovetop before retrieving a silver spoon for his girlfriend.

...

No. This is just as much for him as it was for her. This was something he wanted to finish together with her, as much of a surprise as he wanted this to be. So he offers the spoon to Ayaka. ]

[ Say ah~ Ayaka does just that, even closing her eyes before she leans in for the bite that's offered to her.

This is all so exciting! It is not the first time Cloud has cooked for her, but this feels far too special. Letting out a happy hum when she takes a bite, she gives herself a moment to savour the flavour.

'u' she leans on his arm and just relaxes there for a moment. Cloud would want to know what she thinks, so she must give her input! But just another second more as she lets the happiness from trying this out sink in. ]

It is like we have not seen each other for some time, and you are holding my hand after a long day, hehe.

[ No fancy words, no poetry. There's so much comfort already from a sample bite. ]

It is all I could ever ask for.

Then I'm off to a good start, then.

[ If they were still bound by the effects of Kizuna, there'd be particles of mako glowing and hovering around them in this moment. For Cloud, he initially couldn't decide whether or not to give her the spoon so she could dip it in the pot to try for herself, or if he wanted to offer it to her personally. Good thing, behind closed doors, that he could drop his guard so far that she could see and have all of him. That included this gesture now, feeling a warmth spreading from his chest as Ayaka gives her verdict on the stew. Or rather, how it felt trying it.

He wasn't sure if it needed more salt, pepper, perhaps a thickening agent but it's reduced nicely by the looks of it...or if this sample bite told him everything he needed to know. ]

Thank you... [ It means more than he can properly convey with poetic words. She knows that he's not the most eloquent with them. But at least everything he does say comes from the heart. ] S'just another piece of me I can give.

[ Ayaka could never demand anything of him, yet here he is, giving her a piece of him without even asking for anything in turn. He's just practically asking her to take more of him, and it sends Ayaka's heart soaring. ]

Thank you, too, Cloud. How long did it take you to prepare this? I already want to eat it!

[ So if you were still worried about the taste, Cloud? It's perfect in Ayaka's eyes already. No changes needed to be done to it. ]

Do we have rice already? I can make it if you like.

Edited 2023-04-14 23:41 (UTC)

S'already been a few hours. So it shouldn't be much longer. The lower and slower you cook it, the more tender the beef.

[ Though some would like a more solid bite! ...then again, he'd have to use a different cut of beef for that. ... Hey! He's learning already about the differences!! ]

Alright. It's good as is, then.

[ "Do we have rice already?" ]

! [ This is the part where he'd normally mutter a curse or something. But...Ayaka's done a good job in tempering him. ] Right. Knew I was forgetting something.

[ Well, since he wants her to be a part of this process, and he did most of the stew this time (the next they'll tackle together), ]

You don't mind?

I don't mind at all. Please leave it to me.

[ As if he even needed to ask that! ~~Cloud could ask her to get on her knees right now and suck him off and she wouldn't even complain even if she hasn't had breakfast yet.~~

After kissing her loving beau on the cheek, Ayaka turns to find whatever she needs to make rice. The mun has no idea how to make rice without a rice cooker. ]

[ ~~Don't think he hasn't thought about it. Valentine's Day, she was his "breakfast". So it was only a matter of time before she got her own meal on White Day.~~ ]

[ It's a more manual process, but as they regulate and watch the temperature of the cooking pot of rice, ensuring it doesn't burn or too much sticks to the bottom, they'll have their fresh white rice soon! Though Cloud now has an idea...and it'll only enrichen the rice further. A blend of worlds, for that matter. As he looks at the fresh rice that's finally cooked and fluffed up nicely with the lid off, he reduces the heat on the stew to a bare minimum- the lowest setting that it can go. ]

I'm gonna combine them.

[ Rather, in his bowl he'll do just that. Rice as the base, and a helping of thick, beefy goodness resting on top. ]

We can't replicate the bread and butter like this, can we?

[ How they ate the stew his mom made really was something else! A completely new experience. But she'll help him out with his vision, though, bringing out the utensils already so they can try it with the rice afterwards. ]

Now... this is stew just for Cloud and Ayaka.

[ So it is the most special kind! ]

[ Her question grants him pause, and he has to stop and think. ...for all of a few seconds before he realizes, ]

Stew and rice on bread?

[ It's extra carbs, but Cloud burns off a stupid amount as is. And his girlfriend was also quite fit, too! ...it's not like they were eating this comfort food all the time, after all. ]

It's the White Day Special.

[ ...speaking of "specials", with the rice and stew cooked and keeping warm, Cloud's waited long enough before treating her to something good again. So once Ayaka has the utensils out and set down, he slips his arms around her waist from behind, bowing his head as he revels in the extra euphoria this world gives when any form of contact is involved. He's not the tallest guy out there, but she still feels so petite and small in his hold, tipping his chin down until it's resting atop her head. ]

Hmm... Maybe not. That feels too much.

[ That's double the carbs, Cloud!! It'd be too heavy to have rice and bread together!

Though when he mentions the "White Day Special"? She can't help but laugh a little. It feels like something out of a restaurant's menu. If you told the waiter that you'll have the White Day Special, they would already know what to give you.

She leans on him when he slims his arms around her. They should get to eating, else the food will get cold! But Ayaka counts to three very softly, just a whisper, to give him time for this before calling his attention. ]

We shouldn't let the food get cold.

[ He hears it, too. A kiss to the top of her head, and he lets go to get their bowls ready and set up. ]

Gotcha.

[ His living space has a dining room table, big enough for four people. This was hardly the appropriate dish to take over to the couch to dine and eat, as comfortable as that'd be. After serving equal portions of stew atop rice, he sets hers down for her on one end, while he places his right beside hers. She'll be getting that proverbial 'royal' treatment today, what with Cloud already on pulling the chair out for her so she didn't need do it herself.

This was really what the next stage of their life was about... A casual day. A normal life. She's granted him so much... So much so that he couldn't dare to take it for granted for one second. He smiles back at her from where he sits. And despite the fact they're eating in a more Westernized fashion?

Well. Some old habits die hard. Especially when he spent so much of his life on Nippon blending in.

Before he picks up his spoon, he claps his hands softly.

いただきます. ]

[ No chopsticks here, but it is a meal that should be just as enjoyable! After saying their graces, Ayaka looks her beau's way first, a pleasant little smile on her face as she thanks him for today without really saying anything beyond a look.

Today means more than she could ever express, and she's the better one at talking between the two of them!

Scooping rice and the stew in one bite, she holds it up and blows on it before partaking of it. She'd already liked it even when she just sampled it earlier! But with rice now? It really feels complete! The bread and butter would have been just as complete, too. But it is just as Cloud said— this is the White Day Special. ]

Was this difficult to make?

[ She wants to know what it was like making it!! ]

First couple of times, yeah...

[ Cloud doesn't take long to partake in it with her! The flavor balances out quite nicely, though if he had to be critical of himself...it may have required just a touch extra salt. Especially when it was combined with the rice. Of which he'd need to do some scrapping at the bottom of his pot to clean up. That rice cooker couldn't come any sooner. ]

First time I had too much soup. Second time I didn't have enough. Accidentally left it for too long and burnt a bunch to the bottom.

[ He doesn't actually sound too upset, but as he grabs another bite of this successful batch, he mutters loud enough for her to hear, ]

Cut a train in half but y'think I could scrape a pot? Nope.

[ Om. ]

You tried to make this three times?! [ Today???? Ayaka wouldn't normally be so shocked, but she feels absolutely like a regular person around Cloud. With others, she probably would try to hide her surprise. ] But you said this took so many hours already!

[ WHAT TIME DID HE WAKE UP... how many poor carrots did he throw away!!!

She does not want to eat another bite until he answers her question!! SHE IS INVESTED. And very concerned. ]

Mmm??

[ Swallow before you open your mouth, Cloud. Gulp. There you go. ]

No. This time I got it better. I meant...

[ Oh...this is a little embarrassing to admit. But it's not like this was a spontaneous idea. So, cheeks reddening a little, ]

I made a couple attempts...back in Kyoto.

[ Cloud really has been working hard! It is definitely worth commending, and knowing this now? His perseverance is worth admiring all the more. Whether he was trying it out for himself due to how this was his mom's recipe to begin with, or because he wanted to do this for her, she can't help but be proud of him. He was doing something he wanted. And sure, he failed his first few attempts, but it really was all part of the learning process.

If only she'd known sooner, though... she wishes she could have given him encouragement then. Even for something as simple as cooking. He wasn't fighting for their lives, or was at a crossroads, but it is as Ayaka had promised— she'll be there for him every day, every birthday. ]

Thank you very much for your hard work, Cloud.

[ No need for him to be embarrassed. Ayaka doesn't see the need for him to be! (If she were in his shoes though, she would be very apologetic about it...) ]

You did it. This is perfect.

[ And she's sure his mom would love it, too. ]

[ There is a lot of sentimental value to be held in making this stew. It's his link to home, but also as they sit here together, blending the rice with the stew...it's a bridge. A new one that ends the divide he never knew existed in his heart. The one that Ayaka's filled by being part of his life. ]

... Yeah. [ He's not one to get overly emotional, but he feels the need to blink, whether or not those lashes caught anything or not before he smiles. ] I'm glad.

[ Another spoonful of his stew, ]

Really glad.

[ He should be glad! And he should be proud of himself. You needn't be in the military or achieve heroic feats to be able to have some pride in what you do. Even something like this—connecting two worlds, two parts of your life together, and making them one? The feeling of fulfillment that comes out of it is something worth being proud about.

And because he's glad? Ayaka is, too. She places a hand over his when he's set his utensils down. A gentle squeeze serving as a reminder that she's here for him. ]

I wonder if we can mix the chocolate in the stew?

[ Ayaka you just ruined this emotional moment ]

[ He's well aware of the hot pot game. So it's not as big a surprise as it would have been otherwise. But still, as his hand shifts to better take hold of hers, content to let his bowl rest for a little to talk, he can't help the partially baffled look on his face.

Chocolate and stew. ]

You don't think it'd make it...weirdly sweet?

[ Though thanks to that question, Cloud is actually going to look into this now. His search history is going to actually have "chocolate in stew" before he asks someone on the network. LKJHDSFA He's just a rookie little cook help. ]

Stew can be sweet.

[ ... Maybe?? look, if it's not going to work out, then they don't have to do it! The stew he's made is perfect as it is! ]

Maybe we can experiment some time. Just like how we can have sweet tacos!

[ uh oh ]

... Sweet tacos?

[ He's still not saying "No". In fact, he actually sounds curious. DFKJADSA ]

Yes!

[ Sadly, she has no idea how to describe them just yet. ]

Ren said he will make some for me! Oh, I must ask him when I should visit, then...

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