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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...?

[ 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.

Oh, please forgive me.

[ Perhaps she wasn't clear! But that's okay. She does not look discouraged this time around, compared to how Cloud reacted initially during his birthday, the first surprise she'd done for him. Rather, she is excited to see this to the end. ]

My present to you. Please let me get it.

[ Bowing her head, she gets up to where her bag is, and fishes out a small rectangular thing. It's wrapped in black wrapping paper and gold ribbons, and judging from its shape, it could be a thin book!

But Ayaka sits back down and offers the present to Cloud. Excited as she may be, she must be clear with her instructions, else, this present will not work. ]

Before you open what is inside, I would like to request for you to close your eyes, as you hold onto this.

Then you must think of an image of your mother. You may even imagine yourself with her, or think of a fond memory of you have of her.

[ Cloud won't feel anything as he thinks, if he even does as he's told. But he will feel something inside move around, it feels... like it's liquid, or perhaps something like mercury? It's difficult to tell when it is concealed, but that's just the magic working its way into forming the very age Cloud has in his head onto the present.

As for the present itself? It is a simple wooden frame housing a magical stone inside. It does not grant wishes, but it reveals memories of people when touched. The magic is potent enough to work even while wrapped, so long as the memory is strong and the person remembering it is concentrating very hard. Once imprinted with a memory, the magic is gone, and it can no longer be used again. ]

You may open it, afterwards.

[ By the time she reveals the gift to him, he'll know that she was being clear as crystal. It's Cloud who'd almost seemed to feel that the past was behind him...and even if he would have liked to have kept a piece of it for himself? That it was gone. Reduced to ashes. Taken away from him just like everything else in the five years he'd lost before waking up as a completely different person. So when Ayaka asks if he would like to tell his mother about what's happened, and how he actually did find a good girl to keep him out of trouble, he's visibly stunned even when she bows her head and excuses herself to retrieve his gift.

A small and rectangular box, black wrapping and gold ribbons...a motif that's followed him for some time. Be it his clothing, the now completed Inazuman blade married with Nippon's Kizuna, and what could very well be the aesthetic his new home follows. The surprise doesn't completely wane, but seeing it be an actual present for him, he can't help but smile thinly. Between the tsuba and framed flowers from their first date, she'd already spoiled him so much. And now here she was, with a housewarming gift a month after.

He accepts the present, luckily not in a rush to tear it open by the time she begins to explain how this was supposed to work. At first, he cocks his head, bright mako-infused blues flicking between her and the gift in his hands now. It feels...light. He can't hear anything moving around inside. Judging by the shape of it...was it something framed? He really isn't sure what to make of it, especially with the precursor of her question before. Did he want to tell his mother something? ]

...

[ He simply nods with a weak hum, closing his eyes as his fingers feel the smooth black wrapping, thumbs holding the bottom corners of the gift secure.

"Come, come... Let me take a look at you!"

He hones in on the sound of her voice. On the outside, his brow is visibly furrowed as he reexplores his old memories for the first time- the first time since he retrieved all of his memories back. The only pieces that were missing were the ones between Nibelheim and Midgar. But before all that...after he left town for the first time and came back, he told her how he never truly made it in SOLDIER. Even still, despite the fact he was lying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling while his Mom scrubbed away at dishes without a care in the world...

"I've never been so proud. The man you've become..."

Unbeknownst to them, beneath the golden ribbons and black wrapping, the frame begins to shift, the magic within stirring silently as an image begins to mold. As her voice lingers, she gives him more motherly advice. Advice that, of course he attempts to shrug off like the mopey teenager that he was.

"I'd feel a lot better if I knew you'd found a good girl—one who'd who'd make sure you didn't get into trouble."

The vibrant, energetic smile just through her words... She never really lost that luster, even as he got older. And when he was younger, eyes trailing upon a hazy image in his mind's eye as she continues on about the right kind of girl for him, it falls upon a portrait. And as the memory fades away...so too does the magic that molds the image within the gift Ayaka has given him. He opens his eyes, slowly as his hand rests atop the bow, pulling on one of the ends to loosen the golden thread. His eyes trail to Ayaka one more time, before he lets the ribbon pool in his lap. Rather than tear straight through the paper, he takes the time to unfold the paper around it, sure enough pulling out a simple wooden frame and— ]

[ His lips agape, blinking rapidly as he finally lets out a sharper exhale. He's gentler with it, the magical stone set in the frame shaped indefinitely before his very eyes. His fingertips gently trail over the the image. His heart feels heavy, but it's that fleeting sadness on his face that's almost instantly replaced as he realizes just what lengths Ayaka went to, as her words finally make sense now. ]

This is...

[ He's not hiding the picture in his hands now, and should Ayaka consider moving closer, she'll see for herself what his memories manifest. Just as he'd told her before, his father died when he was very young. He didn't remember him well...but as for his Mom? The white heron would see both a young boy with that same spiky hair, the glimpses of a ponytail sticking out back. And at his side, hand upon his shoulder and smiling so warmly, hair tempered in comparison to her sons, and yet... ]

Mom...?

[ The word leaves his mouth, and suddenly the image is blurry. Until he blinks one more time and his eyes start stinging. It's clear once more, albeit at the cost of tears that roll down his face. His breath tremors, he realizes it, and as he holds the picture more tightly by its wooden frame, he huffs something almost like a laugh.

Was he dreaming? He'd lost everything. Him and Tifa both. All he had were his memories, and even those were marred by smoke and blood. But this? This was from a simpler time. A simpler time that a girl from a completely different sky had helped him bring back. A wish that he didn't think could come true, not in the same way he'd promised her he would stay. ]

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