jikan_rpg | 🌸 you'll find me on my tallest tiptoes

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🌸 you'll find me on my tallest tiptoes

⌛ Who: cloud & ayaka
⌛ What: cloud's moving!
⌛ When: early september
⌛ Where: kyoto
⌛ Warnings: they're gross

[ It has been a long day today, and Ayaka has all the energy for it. Coming from Tokyo, Cloud arrived very early with all his things so that he can move into a new home in Kyoto, just a couple of blocks away from the Kamisato Estate. Ayaka met him at the station and they headed right to the new home, a bunch of bento wrapped in furoshiki in tow, as well as boxes and bags and such.

It's been hours since their last break, Cloud fixing upstairs while Ayaka decorated what she could of downstairs. Low tables and cushions, rugs, flowers— she even arranged a flower pot just for Cloud! A simple gift to make his home look more beautiful. When everything looks fine? She'll go back upstairs to check on her beau. After all... she's been waiting for this day for months. Not just because of the promise he made her when they were in Nara, but because she made a promise to him, too.

And that promise is the last item she wishes for him to unpack. She has yet to see it herself, but she understands from the shop she bought this item from that it truly works. To make it work however, it will need Cloud's touch.

Seeing as it's almost lunch time, and she's already done downstairs? She decides to prepare their lunches, bringing out the bento, as well as plates to use. Their first official meal in this home! One more "first" to add to their list. ]

Cloud, my love— [ She peeks at him from the opened door to his room, both hands at the edge of the sliding board. Then she smiles, waving a hand at him at the same time. At the same time, her ponytail, already blonde, sways behind her as the windows are open and a breeze coming in. ] I thought we could have lunch now. It would be a good time for you to rest, too, don't you think? I can serve tea with our lunch, if you like.

[ Anything and everything for him, really. She's so excited and energetic today!! ^_^🌸 ]

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No big deal even if you did.

[ It wasn't like she was invading his privacy or anything! Cloud was the one who got lost in his own thoughts. But in this moment, that was neither here or there. Whether it was a bento lunch or taking her anywhere else in his new home, as long as he was with her? It really didn't matter. ]

Hoo boy. [ A surprise? ] Didja try something fancy with it?

[ Like what she sometimes did with her Sakura Mochi? ]

Hmm... Got a point there. Money's gonna be tight for a bit, but...

[ Waifu has his back, offering to place the orders and aid him in furnishing his apartment. Ayaka has her resources! He shouldn't be so surprised, between her pleasant disposition and her brother's position in the Nipponese government. But he still can't help smiling nonetheless, stepping away just enough so that he can take her hand in his. Right. He'll put a mental stamp on the Materia later. Because for him? That along with the spare key to his home was the last order of business before he felt truly settled.

He has no idea of the final thing she wishes him to unpack. In the meantime, tug tug Ayaka. :) Downstairs. ]

You don't mind doing that? [ He trusts her judgment! ]

You would not know what's inside until you take a bite!

[ Silly, Cloud! That's why it's a surprise. ]

Mm, I don't. But I'd like to show you the catalogue so you can choose what it is you'd like.

[ This is his home, after all. Therefore, he should get a say in everything. Ayaka'll just be the um, benefactor.

When they head downstairs, he really will find that it's all tidied up! It's very spacious given there's not much beyond tables and chairs. It needs to be decorated some more so it could be a home. As for Ayaka? She has the perfect first decoration for that. :)

She leads him to where she's set up the bento, two separate and identical boxes. ]

Shall we have tea, as well?

Edited 2022-09-12 06:23 (UTC)

[ He can't help but sigh, softer as he admits his defeat from the very start. He can't argue with that! ]

Fair enough.

[ It's not so late into the afternoon, Cloud surmises. If she happens to have the catalogue here, they can do that too! Otherwise, he'll gladly take that two block stroll to go back with her...and that's when it hits him yet again. The very thought of stepping outside his own front door, nervous yet independent- knowing that he still wasn't alone, nor was he far away from the one person who claimed every part of his heart. As they head downstairs, he absentmindedly squeezes her hand. Cloud made it...

As they head downstairs, admiring what little is decorated from his personal belongings by the White Heron Princess, it really strikes at his core.

He really made it. He held true to his wish. ]

Sure, tea sounds good, but...

[ These bento... He only lets go of her hand so he can go and take his seat since he knows Ayaka will go and prepare the matcha. But Ayaka's plan works! He's preoccupied by the matching lunches, positively adorable tamago chicks and chicken onigiri... One of the chick's "beak"s fell off, and their eyes didn't stay in place, but that hardly matters to him. It's been months since they both arrived here, and it was a new experience for both of them. Ayaka and her brother hardly cooked before, and Cloud? Well, he was hopeless when he first moved in with Zack on the outskirts of Neo Midgar. Before, there'd be pre-made meals or easier prepped things. But this? ]

Didja make these?

[ Like, from scratch? Because if she did, while he'd be contented with anything she had for them, he only wants to try it more now. ]

Oh dear...

[ The little carrot beak fell. D: Ayaka is by the bento immediately, trying to patch things together with chopsticks... but it just keeps falling off every time. She looks rather distressed when she looks back at Cloud, who doesn't even seem to care about the injured chicken. Instead, he asks about the culprit of its injury.

It's her, Cloud. She's the cause for this abomination. And she bows her head as she sits down, clearly ashamed that the little bits and pieces wouldn't stick well enough. ]

I apologise. I was told that arranging lunch in this fashion was a gesture girlfriends did for their boyfriends... In the end, I could not do it well enough.

Huh?

[ What's with that reaction? ]

What's wrong?

[ She's suddenly joining him to hastily try and patch things together. The carrot beak. The eyeball that droops a little lower than the other. The second bento has a couple 'lemons' as well. But the moment Ayaka attempts to try and fix her mistakes...if he hadn't known her as well as he had over his stay here, and how even outside her position as the Shirasagi Himegimi, she strived to be the best at anything she did... Ah. Patiently, he waits for her to try, only to bow her head and sit down in shame.

Perhaps it's her standards, but as she apologizes yet again, feeling she had let him down, Cloud's kneejerk reaction is to scoot a little closer in his seat and shake his head. ]

That's not true.

[ He hasn't reached for his chopsticks yet, if only because he mentally keeps the fact Ayaka has to prepare the tea in the back of his mind. He's not about to start without her. Instead, his hand settles over her lap with a attention-seeking squeeze. ]

You did way more than I thought you would. [ Truly. He was expecting a neatly arranged bento! A bed of rice with black sesame seeds sprinkled atop for garnish. Glazed chicken. Little things like that! But to actually create a theme? ] I like it.

[ Ayaka... ]

C'mon. It still looks nice.

...?

[ As much as she doesn't think she should look at him, when he seeks her attention, she looks at him before immediately averting her eyes. But he doesn't get mad at her, nor does he sound disappointed.

He said he likes it. And... ]

Really?

[ She looks back at the bento, then at Cloud, then at the hand that's on her lap. Her beau truly is so sweet... she's so lucky to have met him, and even more lucky to have her right now. ]

Then, um, you should eat now, if you like it. [ Taking his hand after setting the chopsticks down, she closes her eyes and concentrates on his presence. Soothing and calming, this is all she could ever need to ease herself of her worries. As always, with Cloud, she is safe. ]

I'll be back with the tea.

[ There's honestly a lot more that Cloud could say about the presentation of the bento. His answers are to the point and honest. But if he needs to ask her if this was the first time she tried doing this? Or that she was just getting used to it? She can only get better from there, right? A point of contention that can come up once she's returned with the tea. It wasn't Cloud's attempt at being overtly sweet to her. She's truly talented, and...the months have done well in quelling the otherwise aloof and colder heart that he thought was truly his own. He's trying.

Always trying when he's with her. So when Ayaka asks him if he means what he said, she gets a nod of approval. If she wants a reason, he'll give it to her. But for now, as she takes his hand, he makes sure to squeeze it right back once more. ]

Mind if I wait for you? [ It'd be their first meal together in his home, and not whilst visiting his apartment. Regardless of her answer, he'll behave and wait for her in his seat. Ayaka really did a good job down here... As for the swordsman, he was still collectively humming and hawing over where to put what. He's very productive! But only when he had a real plan in motion. That was where Ayaka shined over him, he found. At least a familiar little shrine was set up in the corner... Emptier than the Ayaka's had been before she retrieved her family photo. No incense, no candles or flowers. Right now, what his shrine represents is an empty template, able to become anything.

But...he has only one real wish for it. A wish that he doesn't mind taking a long time to reach. It's a memory. He had what he wanted and needed right here. Waiting to come back with tea so that they can enjoy their chicken bento in the peace and solace they've forged together. ]

[ She gives his hand a squeeze before letting go and pushing herself up. That's when he asks if she'd mind if he waited for her. It's a pleasant surprise, because she would really have been okay if Cloud went ahead. Especially if he was already hungry!

But... here he is, being so sweet with her and telling her that the onigiri she'd made was okay, boosting her the moment she was down, and the next, he's being thoughtful about wanting to eat together.

With her newfound energy, she nods happily, little flowers appearing around her again. ]

Alright! Please take a moment to relax. I shall be back shortly.

[ Hehe. She really has the best beau, and that's something worth bragging about if she were the type to do so. Cloud can bet Ayaka's going to tell her mother about this later, though. :)

In a matter of seconds, Ayaka's away in the kitchen. Because she wasn't sure if Cloud owned a pot or a stove, she'd prepared everything before hand— sencha in a nice thermos so she can just serve in separate cups. It's why she only takes about two minutes before she's back with a tray, two cups, and the thermos if Cloud would like more.

Serving him his cup first, then the rest, the tray is placed on the other end of the table, away from them. ]

Shall we eat?

[ The sakura blossoms that flutter about her earns a shake of his shoulders, not quite laughing, but his expression softens seeing her spirits lifted once more. ...you know what? In hindsight? He's glad that she didn't perfect the bento out the gate. She's done nothing but support him every step of the way in coming here. They've hardly had a fight, and even when met with challenges over intimacy as the world was wont to thrust upon them and others, it was precious moments like this that told him that everything? Was going to be alright. Because when he came home, down the street she was. When she returned from her job as a florist or teaching the young kids at her school? There he'd be. At the end of their adventures, new regions abound and mysteries of this world opening up to them as a whole...

He'd be there, hand in hers and encouraging to stand with him the entire way. That's what he understood about his love for her. About the devotion that only grew stronger by the day. Cloud found his path. And no matter how many detours he needed to take, he'd always find his way back on that road if it meant that Kamisato Ayaka would be waiting for him.

Seeing as he moved in with Zack after? He didn't have much for cutlery or cooking material to call his own. But those were also priority on his list as well. He'd need new forks and spoons, knives, bowls, plates...at least chopsticks by the bulk were cheap. But Ayaka, thinking ahead as she has, makes good on supplying sencha in a thermos! He knows that it's still made by her, and as she returns and serves his cup? He greets her with a little nod and little smile, sparkles of soft green light hovering above and away into the ether again. ]

Mm. Right.

[ With chopsticks in hand, he lightly claps his hands together. Perhaps a little more enthusiastically than Cloud was used to showing, but he really didn't care. Not anymore. She can know and see. Her energy feeds into him when he marks their first meal together. ]

いただきます.

[ And sorry, little chick...you're the first victim. At least Ayaka won't have to look at the beakless tamago creation for much longer as he opts to take a bite out of that first! It's delicious, melting in his mouth and...slightly sweet? Honestly, if someone served him a slice of this on a little plate? He could enjoy it like a little cake. ]

Do you got that catalogue here? [ A beat. He'll take another bite after this. More specifically, trying his luck at plucking that little carrot beak from the bottom of the bento box. ] Kinda wanna go through it with you.

[ And if she didn't? Guess what. Everything's moved in now. They can return to her place. ]

[ Ayaka invites Cloud to eat, but she honestly waits to see if he will like the food or have a ghastly response to it. She thinks she's gotten better at cooking to the point where she can make edible things! Making them look pretty is still something she needs to get better at, though. ]

Oh, I don't. I would need a day to ask him for his catalogue. [ The ones in the Kamisato estate are all custom-made. There is nothing quite like it, especially since she wanted the tsubaki to be either carved or golden-plated onto the furniture! ] Perhaps we can look at it another time? Or we can visit his shop together.

[ That way, Cloud won't have to use his thinky brain too much now. He can use the rest of the day to rest! Ayaka sees this as a win, clearly. Another day to visit means another day for a date. ]

[ Cloud's response? Is one of bliss! ...that is, as blissful as Cloud expresses himself as his eyes broaden subtly; it's his little sign that he likes what he's eating. One doesn't really know how they look when they're eating until someone else points it out or observes. But he likes it! It's leagues above anything he can make still. But that won't be an issue for long! ]

Oh. That works. Lemme know when and we'll go.

[ And he'll wait for her! Even if he spots something while out and about? He'll try and send a message to Ayaka in the process. Ever if the shots were all in sepia. Just...gonna have to describe the color tone after. ]

... whaddya think would look good? Y'know, color and motif.

[ If it were up to Cloud? He'd just have good furniture and a bed to sleep on. That's all he could care about. But he knows Ayaka. So...while he'll put the effort in to think of ideas? He's all ears. He's listening! Monch. ]

There is a kind of wood in Inazuma that I am fond of... It is called Yumemiru Wood, timber from cutting sakura trees. That is the kind of wood I like. Then it is dyed to a brownish-black hue.

[ So she had to look for an equivalent here! The furniture in the estate is not made of Yumemiru, but the craftsman was able to understand what she wanted. Cloud has seen the result! And it has been nice, Ayaka thinks. ]

Would you like something like that? Though it may not match the furniture in the bedroom.

Yumemiru...?

[ He lets the word play on his tongue for a moment, and the significance of its usage. The cherry blossom was a significant flower in Inazuma, it seemed like. Along with the clan's affinity for the camellia... Cloud's gaze drifts upwards in thought, envisioning the finish and— ]

! Like at your place. [ He likes that! As for something like that finish? He would. But to not match with the furniture in his bedroom already... ] Eh. I can replace it down the line.

[ If it'll match with the rest. ]

Alright.

[ Okay then! If Cloud likes it like that? Then she can start imagining things, other ways to decorate the house and what other things to put.

Speaking of? ]

Also, I have a present for you and your home. I would like to give it to you when we are done eating, if you don't mind.

[ For now, after eating the tamago? She'll enjoy her salmon and cheese momma chicken onigiri. ]

A present?

[ She really didn't have to do that... But he'd be lying if he wasn't equal parts curious and excitement. What was he going to do now? He couldn't take it back if she already had it for him! Not that he would want to, as he quells that kneejerk reaction of his. ~~Shhh. That's right. It's okay to want things, Cloud.~~ ]

Already got my housewarming gift with you. [ ... Ah- They've said much deeper things. But Cloud just came right out and told her anyway, his cheeks reddening as he shrugs his shoulders with a huff of a laugh. ] Thank you.

[ In the meantime? Yes! He takes a break from the tamago and rice to pluck out the little grape tomato with his chopsticks. ...of which he immediately drops atop his own momma chicken for slipping through his sticks. There goes the eyeball. Oops. Let him just. Grab that tomato again and pop that in his mouth. Just you wait, Miss Kamisato. Because before you go to school to teach the kids one day? You'll have a bento of your own waiting for you. ]

Hehe, I'm rather excited.

[ She wants to see how he'd react now that she's about to make his wish come true! Her goal isn't out in the open yet— Cloud will know that she has when he sees it. For now, it is a pleasant lunch, a cute one, even, shared between the two. And, there's tea! ]

How do you like the food? I think it tastes okay.

More than okay to me.

[ A truthful answer. He's not a critic, and he's not going to start comparing her meals to some restaurant-quality things they've gone out for. But if she doesn't want to be coddled about it? Well, ]

I know you, though. It's only gonna get better every time.

[ Cloud, she's softened the hell out of you. Even your version of "you can do better" is filled with encouragement. adfskjh ]

Yes! I want to make amazing ones next time, just like what Thoma can make.

[ Sadly, Thoma wouldn't be here to see it all, but it's the thought that counts, right? ]

I shall surprise you with a bento that will get other people envious.

[ That's another goal of hers!! And said with so much pride and innocence at the same time. She just wants to make her beau proud! ]

Guess that'll be my goal, too. Gotta get to Thoma level.

[ The man worked so hard for the Kamisatos... Judging by the way Ayaka talked about him, he couldn't help but think of Zack. How alike their demeanors seemed. The thought is enough to net a light smile out of Cloud as they continue to eat their meals and enjoy their tea. There's only so much in the thermos, but that's okay. They can have as much tea as they want any time they want! Especially if Cloud was going to walk Ayaka home after all this. ]

Hmph, [ that smile of his only grows at her proclamation. ] "Hm? This? Yeah, Ayaka made it for me."

Like that?

[ Show off the pretend-perfect bento more, beau. ]

Edited 2022-09-13 09:57 (UTC)

[ Oh!! It's only just ""rehearsals"" because it hasn't happened yet, but it makes Ayaka's heart thump in her chest. Goodness! No wonder she wanted this... it makes her feel so good. No— it makes her feel amazing! Because her beau is proud of her and what she made for him.

She looks at him in disbelief, unable to hide the widening smile on her face. ]

Oh my... I'm so excited for you to say it when I do manage to impress you! [ And because she's so excited and so happy? She manages to blurt out yet one more thing... ] I love you so much, Cloud!

[ Please accept this cutlet she is offering with her chopsticks 🥺 ]

Hehehe...

[ They may never stop texting or calling one another day by day, but the fact he could actually walk down the street and tell her what he was thinking in person... What a hell of a change of pace. He's hardly been in his home for a day, and he already feels like he's been coming home after a long time. Then she confesses with all her heart, blurting our the next thing to pop into that pretty little head...and to Cloud? It stuns him all over again, like he's hearing it for the first time. He has to mentally pause, and remember that he actually managed to tell her first. Something he never really imagined he could have told anybody...even if those feelings played at the edges of his heart before.

Only for one Kamisato Ayaka to wholly take it for herself. Just as he did hers; heart and soul... It's like she said when they completed the Trial of Love together. He already had all over her before this even began. He knew the promise that he had to keep, the wish he had to fulfill. It felt like their relationship was built upon wishes and hopes from the start. But now that he was here...finally, finally here, they can build upon those wishes, and embrace everything that comes now that they've come true. ]

Ayaka...

[ Closing his eyes with a bow of his head and sigh through his nose, his smile grows warmer, only to open them with a brighter luster in his gaze from the mako. ]

When you say and do things like that... [ He leans in a little to accept the cutlet. It's still something he was getting used to doing, but with just Ayaka here, it's made easier. It tastes spectacular, and the crispy outside only accentuates and adds another layer of complexity to the meat. Savoring it for another short moment before swallowing, he finishes that thought proper. ] I know I'm right where I should be.

[ Setting his chopsticks down for a moment to take his cup of sencha green tea, he smile warmly back at her with another "Mm" before returning, ]

Love you too.

[ Hearing Cloud tell her that he loves her too just... makes her day— no, her entire year! She's so happy that there are more sakuras in bloom than usual. An immense amount around her as her hair begins to completely turn blond. There's not much to say to that, or even do. But... she hopes that Cloud knows just how much he means to her. ]

Hehe. It... feels so new. Like it's your birthday again.

[ Ayaka can be more eloquent, but there's nothing wrong with simple words, either.

With Cloud having taken a bit of her cutlet, she tries a piece of her own. Before taking a bite though, she realises what she just said and laughs. ]

Just without the aging, I suppose!

[ About what she said about it being his birthday and all. Ha ha! With that said though, she takes a bite finally and gives her nod of approval. She really is getting better at cooking! ]

I never truly thought that I could find love, Cloud. But we met, and it is safe to say that you have changed my entire life for the better. [ Ayaka you two aren't even married yet 😫 ] I told father and mother that, too. Though... Ayato does not know yet. Hehe.

[ He can see it. How her hair has completely shifted now, the very same color as his own that still keeps a blend of her snowy blue and his golden spikes. But given how many glittering stars he's giving off, reminiscent of speckles of mako energy, he doesn't hold much stake in the color of hair. He knows how he feels; it doesn't matter how much or how little he changes physically. What he knows and follows is what his heart tells him.

The very same heart he gave to her already. ]

Hoo boy. Can't wait for that conversation.

[ Cloud's not oblivious. Even now, Ayato is protective of his sister! If anything, his reaction would be amusing. ]

Before I got stuck in time, and jumped through that door... Never thought I'd be saving up money for a whole house. Just so I could be closer to the girl I fell for.

[ It's the first time he had feelings for somebody and they didn't just bud. They blossomed before their very eyes. ]

But... I wouldn't want it any other way. [ As he lifts his cup of tea to his lips he quietly adds, content without a hint of somberness, ] Guess I better tell Mom.

[ Even if there's nothing to his shrine... ]

[ !!! That's her cue! Now, she said she'd give her present to him after they eat, but she can't help it.

Ayaka is 100% certain this will work, so there is no hesitation when she asks: ]

Would you like to do so now?

[ Cluing him in that she's about to make his wish come true yet again. A true star to the one person who keeps his eyes on her, she's about to shine even brighter for him. ]

That was actually the present I got you.

[ Setting his teacup down, he quirks an eyebrow when she suddenly asks him that out of the blue. What was she talking about? It takes him a second or two mull it before it registers with him. And...at first, he's still confused. Instead, he stares at her in parts disbelief and wonder as she offers to give him that very present. ]

You mean...tell my...?

(Mother?)

[ It's not that he doesn't believe her, but he already has the little empty shrine set up, inspired by the one at her estate. ]

Sorry, I just...don't understand.

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