[ She'd be correct! Much like how he liked his alcohol to be harder, he preferred the thicker blend. But as it thins out with new cups poured, it's also refreshing to him. His hands settle in his lap as he settles on his heels, canting his head when she refers to a dream she has. ]
O- Oh, well... it's not as romantic as it sounds. [ Her dream, she means. And she seems a little hesitant to tell him, but looking at him, she figures he wouldn't laugh at her. He never has. So... ]
It is a dream where my mother and father are still with me. Ayato is not as busy, and we're all together for family time.
[ But perhaps, this year? She'll have a different dream. Where she's enjoying moments with her family, and Cloud is there, as he always has been for her. Would her parents accept him, she wonders. . . Her mom probably would, but her father would be a lot stricter.
Hahah... she can't help but laugh softly thinking about that. Though as she's poured the tea for her parents, she gestures for Cloud to take the cups. ]
[ It may not have been romantic or anything, but when she speaks of being with her parents, and Ayato is there too... There's something about it that makes his heart sink a little bit. Maybe it's not so fresh to Ayaka, but for someone he feels so strongly for? It makes him wish that he could return the favor. She'd given him a gift in the form of his late mother's portrait, restored by his memories and her hard work. What he'd give to give her one more day in that dream...
Cloud's mom? Knowing her, she'd adore the white heron princess. Surprised that her boy had caught the heart of a 'maiden' like her? Maybe! But he likes to think that Claudia would have liked her. He...hopes that his dad would too. Even if he didn't know the first thing about him. ]
Of course.
[ He accepts the cups, mindful to place them in front of her mother and father at the shrine as he kneels before them. Whether or not Ayaka overhears or not, he cares little when he softly adds, ]
She's home.
[ Safe and sound. Nodding, he scoots back over to his seat by Ayaka's side, thanking her for his cup as he sets it in his hands for the time being with a little smile. There's a slight pause before he decides... ]
Y'know? Ever since you helped me bring back that photo... I started having dreams of Mom, too.
[ Ayaka will let Cloud have a private moment with her parents when he serves them the tea. In the meantime, she pours herself a cup, letting the sound of tea fill her ears while her beau talks to her mother and father. She doesn't hear what he says, but when she looks at him from where she's seated, she cannot help but feel so very happy.
This is what life is, now. Her parents may not be alive anymore, but she has Ayato. And she has Cloud now, too. Even without Ayaka saying anything, she notices sometimes that Cloud would greet her parents whenever he'd come visit. It's such a little thing, and Cloud probably doesn't even think too much about it, but Ayaka appreciates what he does every time.
Her smile remains even when he turns back and moves to sit next to her again. Calm and content as she can be, she asks him: ]
Yeah... They were mostly about one of the last times I talked to her. When I came home on that mission.
[ Hahah... ]
She kept telling me about what kinda girl I should meet someday. [ At the time, being a teenager, it was embarrassing. But he listened nonetheless, eyes on Ayaka as he brings his cup up to his lips. ] Someone who won't let me get into trouble.
[ She doesn't think Cloud is a troublemaker! Is he...? He doesn't go off fighting Servants, and it's not like he gets chased all over the place by the police for speeding. But... she imagines Cloud's mom would know him better. That puts a small smile on her face. ]
[ Well he did bomb a reactor... And got chased all over the place by Shinra while speeding. When Ayaka asks if she can fulfill that role, he's just finished taking a sip of his tea, satisfied by the deeper flavor with how thick she mixed everything. And as his cup lowers and he turns his head to face her proper, smile still curled on his lips, ]
Already have.
[ But, that being said, ]
And even if I do get in trouble- [ A beat. ] -or you're right there with me,
You'd hafta actively try if you wanted to do that.
[ To her doing her best to be a good girlfriend, he feels like he'd just be repeating himself if he told her she's already succeeding in doing that. He's happy, and he's learned enough in his time here that what she's done for him is more than he could have asked for. It's an incredible turn of events how everything wound up in this world. And he never would have thought he'd be rediscovering himself? But also that the person who actually captivated him and compelled him to keep chasing after her, was worlds apart.
But here they are. Together in her new home, with promises for the future to keep as he leans in. He wasn't planning a kiss, but just to gently tap his head to hers in thanks whenβ ]
[ Ah, but he's up already. She was about to get up too, but she sits back down again upon realising something. ]
Ah, nevermind. It's a surprise, after all.
[ But she'll fix the table a little, since she's anticipating food. Getting up again when Cloud is away, she gets two plates and chopsticks for them both. ]
[ And sure enough, after having a very short yet polite enough meeting with the older delivery person and paying them (still getting over the fact that nobody tips or asks for tips here...), he's back a minute later with one wide wood box with a nice lid atop it. ]
Oh. Thanks.
[ For the plates and chopsticks! But now, as he sets down the box in front of their respective plates, ]
Got a little something extra. [ Lifts the lid. ] You'll see.
[ It's not the biggest. But it doesn't have to be! But there's a pleasant looking little sashimi platter on one side of the box. As for the other side? The unagi nigiri is all hers. ]
Quicker than I thought they'd be, [ he remarks as he returns to Ayaka's side. ]
[ Her mouth does not water at the sight of the sushi or sashimi, but she does look very, very surprised! This was such a sweet gesture from Cloud, and it's sent her over the moon. It leads her to putting down whatever she's holding so she can go straight and hug him. ]
Thank you very much, Cloud.
[ It is a very tight hug in Ayaka standards. She even hides her face in his chest if he's turned to face her. Otherwise, it's his arm she's burying her face into. ]
[ Just for her reactions alone, placing this order was worth it. But now it's Ayaka's turn to surprise him! She's lucky that he's a rather sturdy pillar, not moving too much when she straight-on hugs him tight. It's a reflex to seize up the way he does, only for a second before he slips his arms around her and returns the embrace just as strongly. At least he's learned by now when to not hug too hard before he hurts someone... ]
Big difference between "didn't have to" and "I want to".
[ This time? Cloud does go for a kiss, placed atop her head as he closes his eyes and breathes in deep of her scent. The subtle floral hints as his chest swells...before it falls with a content exhale.
The sashimi and unagi were fresh, right? And already cold? They can wait a moment. He's not ready to let go quite yet either. ]
You need my help, I'll come running. Every single time.
[ A nuzzle. As much as she wants to stay like this a little longer though, she figures that this isn't the right venue for it. After hugging him tight, she lets go ever so slowly.
As she pulls away, her one hand slips to reach for his own, lacing their fingers together. She can't thank him enough for his help today. ]
Shall we eat? This all looks so tasty.
[ A squeeze of his hand before she looks at the food. He must think the unagi is all hers, but she can't enjoy something without Cloud! He'll definitely be given a good share of it. ]
[ Ever since the kids called him a prince, he's never lived it down. Nor has he shied away from it either. Giving her one last squeeze as he feels her letting go, he looses his hold and leans back in kind. Only to be anchored back with her when she laces their fingers together. Ah, another chance to hold her. Luckily for Cloud? He only needs one hand to operate chopsticks and tea right now. ]
Yeah. Remember where you and Zack took me for my birthday? [ He reaches for his pair of chopsticks, bowing his head a little with a more casual γγγ γγΎγ. before he begins to retrieve a couple slices of salmon first. His favorite! He could grab some for Ayaka too, but the more casual this whole night was? The better. He'll only let go of her hand if she feels she needs it. ] Turns out they deliver.
[ Ayaka doesn't intend to hold onto Cloud's hand for long, at least! When he takes a bite, she lets go, so she can sit properly and eat, too. Though it's a different story if it's Cloud who doesn't let go. In which case? More than fine with her! She won't go.
Her first bite for the day! And it's already way past breakfast. ]
Would you like us to eat there again someday? Though I don't know how the ambiance is like if we don't reserve a private room.
[ One of the reasons why they kept coming back to the teahouse in Gion was because of how private it felt despite being out in the open, after all! The first time they went there, and they weren't even dating yet, is so memorable to her. They just sat next to each other and chatted after eating, hand in hand, while the sun went down. ]
[ They provided packets of soy sauce, and while he was tempted to ask her if she'd like him to retrieve the fresh bottle from their kitchen, he ultimately decides against it. Screw it. This'll work just fine! Opening the soy sauce up, he creates a tiny little puddle in the corner of his plate that his salmon sashimi can take a little dip in. ]
I'd be down. [ Om. Savoring it for a few more seconds, he swallows his first salmon bite. His eyes alight; he's becoming more expressive in his later days in this world. And it shows! He likes what he likes! And just as they discussed before... There was no reason for it. No need for a reason. ] I bet it'll be fine.
[ A warm up before she digs in and enjoys the unagi nigiri, she takes a piece of sashimi too after serving herself a little bit of soy sauce on her plate! A nice and delightful meal shared with someone she loves makes this all the more special. ]
Now you're just saying that, hehe. [ But keep saying things like that anyway, Cloud! She likes it. βΊοΈ ]
And alright, then. When we go there? It'll be my treat.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2022-11-13 09:52 am (UTC)[ She'd be correct! Much like how he liked his alcohol to be harder, he preferred the thicker blend. But as it thins out with new cups poured, it's also refreshing to him. His hands settle in his lap as he settles on his heels, canting his head when she refers to a dream she has. ]
Really? What's that?
[ He's all ears. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-13 10:09 am (UTC)It is a dream where my mother and father are still with me. Ayato is not as busy, and we're all together for family time.
[ But perhaps, this year? She'll have a different dream. Where she's enjoying moments with her family, and Cloud is there, as he always has been for her. Would her parents accept him, she wonders. . . Her mom probably would, but her father would be a lot stricter.
Hahah... she can't help but laugh softly thinking about that. Though as she's poured the tea for her parents, she gestures for Cloud to take the cups. ]
Would you mind serving mother and father?
no subject
Date: 2022-11-13 11:33 am (UTC)Cloud's mom? Knowing her, she'd adore the white heron princess. Surprised that her boy had caught the heart of a 'maiden' like her? Maybe! But he likes to think that Claudia would have liked her. He...hopes that his dad would too. Even if he didn't know the first thing about him. ]
Of course.
[ He accepts the cups, mindful to place them in front of her mother and father at the shrine as he kneels before them. Whether or not Ayaka overhears or not, he cares little when he softly adds, ]
She's home.
[ Safe and sound. Nodding, he scoots back over to his seat by Ayaka's side, thanking her for his cup as he sets it in his hands for the time being with a little smile. There's a slight pause before he decides... ]
Y'know? Ever since you helped me bring back that photo... I started having dreams of Mom, too.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-13 01:36 pm (UTC)This is what life is, now. Her parents may not be alive anymore, but she has Ayato. And she has Cloud now, too. Even without Ayaka saying anything, she notices sometimes that Cloud would greet her parents whenever he'd come visit. It's such a little thing, and Cloud probably doesn't even think too much about it, but Ayaka appreciates what he does every time.
Her smile remains even when he turns back and moves to sit next to her again. Calm and content as she can be, she asks him: ]
I hope they are good dreams?
no subject
Date: 2022-11-13 09:52 pm (UTC)[ Hahah... ]
She kept telling me about what kinda girl I should meet someday. [ At the time, being a teenager, it was embarrassing. But he listened nonetheless, eyes on Ayaka as he brings his cup up to his lips. ] Someone who won't let me get into trouble.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-13 11:35 pm (UTC)Do you think I can fulfill that role?
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 01:42 am (UTC)Already have.
[ But, that being said, ]
And even if I do get in trouble- [ A beat. ] -or you're right there with me,
We'll make it out.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 03:10 am (UTC)I pray that I won't disappoint your mother. And you too, of course.
[ That's the last thing she wants! ]
But... I'm glad to hear it, Cloud. I'll do my very best to be a good girlfriend.
1/2
Date: 2022-11-14 03:25 am (UTC)[ To her doing her best to be a good girlfriend, he feels like he'd just be repeating himself if he told her she's already succeeding in doing that. He's happy, and he's learned enough in his time here that what she's done for him is more than he could have asked for. It's an incredible turn of events how everything wound up in this world. And he never would have thought he'd be rediscovering himself? But also that the person who actually captivated him and compelled him to keep chasing after her, was worlds apart.
But here they are. Together in her new home, with promises for the future to keep as he leans in. He wasn't planning a kiss, but just to gently tap his head to hers in thanks whenβ ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 03:26 am (UTC)Maybe that's them.
[ 'Them' being the person delivering the little order he put in before coming inside. He'll get up to go get it and pay them! ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 04:23 am (UTC)[ Ah, but he's up already. She was about to get up too, but she sits back down again upon realising something. ]
Ah, nevermind. It's a surprise, after all.
[ But she'll fix the table a little, since she's anticipating food. Getting up again when Cloud is away, she gets two plates and chopsticks for them both. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 06:30 am (UTC)[ And sure enough, after having a very short yet polite enough meeting with the older delivery person and paying them (still getting over the fact that nobody tips or asks for tips here...), he's back a minute later with one wide wood box with a nice lid atop it. ]
Oh. Thanks.
[ For the plates and chopsticks! But now, as he sets down the box in front of their respective plates, ]
Got a little something extra. [ Lifts the lid. ] You'll see.
[ It's not the biggest. But it doesn't have to be! But there's a pleasant looking little sashimi platter on one side of the box. As for the other side? The unagi nigiri is all hers. ]
Quicker than I thought they'd be, [ he remarks as he returns to Ayaka's side. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 06:40 am (UTC)Thank you very much, Cloud.
[ It is a very tight hug in Ayaka standards. She even hides her face in his chest if he's turned to face her. Otherwise, it's his arm she's burying her face into. ]
You didn't have to do all this...
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 07:16 am (UTC)Big difference between "didn't have to" and "I want to".
[ This time? Cloud does go for a kiss, placed atop her head as he closes his eyes and breathes in deep of her scent. The subtle floral hints as his chest swells...before it falls with a content exhale.
The sashimi and unagi were fresh, right? And already cold? They can wait a moment. He's not ready to let go quite yet either. ]
You need my help, I'll come running. Every single time.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 07:44 am (UTC)[ A nuzzle. As much as she wants to stay like this a little longer though, she figures that this isn't the right venue for it. After hugging him tight, she lets go ever so slowly.
As she pulls away, her one hand slips to reach for his own, lacing their fingers together. She can't thank him enough for his help today. ]
Shall we eat? This all looks so tasty.
[ A squeeze of his hand before she looks at the food. He must think the unagi is all hers, but she can't enjoy something without Cloud! He'll definitely be given a good share of it. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 07:54 am (UTC)Yeah. Remember where you and Zack took me for my birthday? [ He reaches for his pair of chopsticks, bowing his head a little with a more casual γγγ γγΎγ. before he begins to retrieve a couple slices of salmon first. His favorite! He could grab some for Ayaka too, but the more casual this whole night was? The better. He'll only let go of her hand if she feels she needs it. ] Turns out they deliver.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 12:33 pm (UTC)[ Ayaka doesn't intend to hold onto Cloud's hand for long, at least! When he takes a bite, she lets go, so she can sit properly and eat, too. Though it's a different story if it's Cloud who doesn't let go. In which case? More than fine with her! She won't go.
Her first bite for the day! And it's already way past breakfast. ]
Would you like us to eat there again someday? Though I don't know how the ambiance is like if we don't reserve a private room.
[ One of the reasons why they kept coming back to the teahouse in Gion was because of how private it felt despite being out in the open, after all! The first time they went there, and they weren't even dating yet, is so memorable to her. They just sat next to each other and chatted after eating, hand in hand, while the sun went down. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-15 05:19 am (UTC)I'd be down. [ Om. Savoring it for a few more seconds, he swallows his first salmon bite. His eyes alight; he's becoming more expressive in his later days in this world. And it shows! He likes what he likes! And just as they discussed before... There was no reason for it. No need for a reason. ] I bet it'll be fine.
I'm paying attention to you either way.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-15 06:22 am (UTC)Now you're just saying that, hehe. [ But keep saying things like that anyway, Cloud! She likes it. βΊοΈ ]
And alright, then. When we go there? It'll be my treat.
[ :) ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-15 07:21 am (UTC)[ he answers back nonchalantly. ]
Hmm... [ But paying for their date at the restaurant... ] Alright. On one condition.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-15 07:26 am (UTC)Yes? What is it?
no subject
Date: 2022-11-15 07:29 am (UTC)You pay and serve the tea? I get to serve all the food.
[ That was. A very simple stipulation. asdfjhkl ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-15 07:30 am (UTC)[ Is he. Going to feed her the whole time they eat... ]
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Date: 2022-11-15 07:43 am (UTC)2/2
Date: 2022-11-15 07:43 am (UTC)(no subject)
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