jikan_network | video, un: white heron

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video, un: white heron

[ The video starts off with a cat. A very fluffy cat with familiar ribbons where a cat's "side bangs" would be, and a familiar tiara-like ponytail… Said cat's fluffy tail is up as it is perched on someone she's comfortable with. As for said ‘comfortable someone’, all one can see of him is his midsection- a ribbed, sleeveless turtleneck top with his face out of shot. The focus of this was, after all, on the teeny fluffball. ]

Okay. We’re rolling.

[ Clearing her throat, which sounds like a cat trying to cough up a fur ball, she begins to speak: ]

Greetings. My name is Kamisato Ayaka, and as you can see, I have turned into a cat.

[ But because she is a cat? All one would be able to hear is her meowing at the camera. Literal "nya" and "meow" sounds, and no actual words being spoken. She… thinks people can understand her, because Cloud sure can. ]

Nya nya nya, nya nya nyanyanya, nya nya… [ She's talking about how this is probably Kizuna and asking if there is a way to reverse it as soon as possible because she has work to do… her ears fold inward and she "nyaa"s sadly. Out of shot, there’s a soft sigh before the magi-comm’s camera is angled up, leaving just the head of Nyayaka barely in frame as Cloud leans down a little to show up. ]

Right. That just about covers everything. [ covers what ] Anyone that’s got any ideas, thanks in advance.

[ The camera angles back down to Miss Kameowsato. ]

Nya.

[ Ever polite, Ayaka bows her head as thanks. ]

Think you got it, [ says an out of shot Cloud, hand coming down to gently pat her atop her floofy head before he reaches to stop the recording. ]

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[ Despite how sad she was, Cloud is surprisingly on the opposite end of the spectrum. Optimism fills him as he removes the bangle and leaves the Materia slotted as he sets it on his bedside table for now. She promised to never hurt him...this wasn't exactly what Aerith had in mind when giving them both the talk about hurting one another or breaking hurts. He huffs as he swings his legs over the side of the bed as he watches the little fluffy kitten curl around the leg of the table. ]

Really don't think this counts, Ayaka.

[ She really did have such bright eyes for a cat...and her fur looked exceedingly soft. It was very hard not to just start stroking her while they were figuring everything out with the others on the network. It's his first time actually getting along with a cat that wasn't a certain Traveler. But she also didn't count fully either. Still, as she reveals herself, he can't help the faint smile. ]

Yup. I'll show you later. Promise.

[ Right now, there's really no point in just whipping his shirt off just to put one back on again. ]

I think it should. [ Count, she means... ] If you were in my position, I believe you would feel just as awful.

[ Unless Cloud thinks accidentally elbowing her in the face or something is okay... Boy, they need to talk if that's the case.

She blinks, looking at a paw before looking back up again. Cloud feels so far away like this... ]

... Meow I go back up again?

[ Aka pls lift her ]

[ He sighs to that, expression dropping just a little bit. ] Got me there. [ So then...how do they resolve this? Well, ]

Fine. You can feel bad. ...just not for too long cause I'm all healed up.

[ That's a...compromise? It wasn't like it was a critical injury or anything! But letting it sink in now, he gets it. Seeing her come back out properly though, and asking if she can come back up... Weren't cats really good at climbing things? His bed wasn't too high up, but Ayaka's legs were rather stubby now.

So what does he do? He complies, having seen how other people have picked up cats in the past. So Ayaka wasn't just going to get the awkward treatment of getting hoisted up by her front legs. Instead, he bends down and reaches for her, scooping her up as he allows his forearm to slip around her backside while his hand gently supports her beneath her chest. Up she goes. And his hands almost disappear into her thick fur. ]

Don't take this the wrong way. But...

[ Because he wants her back as a human yesterday despite bringing her into his lap with a hand unable to help resting upon her back, stroking down to the base of her tail. ]

You're really soft.

[ C- CLOUD...

She lets out a rather loud purr.

She is quiet for a few seconds, because that was rather embarrassing?? But at the same time... it's Cloud. ]

Y- Your touch is very warm... I do nyat mind it.

[ She likes it. Do it again. ]

[ Ohh. Oh she rumbles in his lap. ~~Yes Cloud. Touch the pussy again.~~ ]

That's one way of making the most of it.

[ She'll always be Kamisato Ayaka. And he didn't care if it took them days, weeks (god please no?), he wouldn't give up until he found a way to change her back. But while she's like this? She might as well content herself in her safe zone, floof and all as he applies a little pressure on the base of her tail as he rubs, noting the way her tail seems to reflexively stick up in response.

Was it sensitive there? ... Cloud you're effectively rubbing near her butt. Move on. Like padding your hand through the floof around her collar before coming up to try petting behind one of her ears. As he does this, he carefully scoots his way back onto the bed so he can lay down on his side and watch her. While she gets ~~spoiled even more~~ pets, of course. ]

Should prolly get you something to eat soon.

[ Tiny Kitty needs fuel. ]

[ Her tail would curl around his wrist if he didn't move too soon. Alas! ]

There— [ The ears... Cloud 🥺🥺🥺 She chases after this palm so she can keep rubbing her ear against it. This would be embarrassing if it weren't Cloud, but it is, and she trusts he won't make fun of her. ]

Ah— [ Okay, back to being serious when he talks about food! ] I'm sorry I can't prepare breakfast for us today.

[ She follows him when he leans back, seated properly next to him, tail flat around her as she waits for him to respond. ]

[ The moment she chases after his hand, Cloud's eyes widen with surprise, if only because he's being taken off guard by her. As a human, as her true self, his feelings for her were strong and how he wished to spend time with her was different. But...as a cat? He loves her all the same, yet all he can think of doing is exploring more of her fluffy fur. He may not have some ice-cold heart, but it still feels like she's melting it all the same. If she wasn't careful, he was going to huffily find a way to excuse himself into cuddling the even loving shit out of her. He continues to rub her ears, really letting the back of his fingers press and rhythmically put pressure along it as he strokes.

"Cute" wasn't a common word in his vocabulary, but she's net it from him before. And she's netting it yet again here and now. ]

Cute...

[ Leaning on his side, he watches her as he gives a thoughtful hum. ]

I'll take care of that. I've got more than just rice and eggs under my belt.

[ ...well. Sort of. He at least can follow instructions and try? It may not look pretty as her presentations, but...now that they're talking about it, it's a genuine question on his mind. ]

Come to think of it...what can you still eat like this?

[ And no, Lady Yae. Not cat food. ]

Hehe, alright!

[ Cloud's never cooked for her... she's so excited, completely forgetting her predicament as a feline. ]

I unfortunately cannot hold anything with my hands [ paws??? ], but if I can still bite into things. Something soft would be preferable.

[ Cloud mentioned eggs, so... ]

A soft scrambled egg with cheese and tuna... [ ☺️ She sounds happy just thinking about it, nuzzling up to Cloud's side as she purrs. ] Hehe. And we can have hot rice with it.

...is it bad I kinda wanna see you try?

[ Okay, he can't help himself a little bit. Would she make him try and hold chopsticks between his paws if he were a cat? ...or dog? ~~Or whatever the mun turns him into later? sjfkdah~~

As she nuzzles up to his side and purrs, he decides to finally lean more into her feline state. It's common sense that you don't pet upwards, so she's getting the best side pats and rubs imaginable. His heart's already pounding in his chest from an overload of serotonin, a different kind of racing feeling from how he's usually affectionate with her.

Oh god. He's not a cat person. ... He's a Nyayaka person. She's making him like cats. And forever comparing all others to her. Good going. ]

You don't wanna know how my first batch of scrambled eggs went.

[ He has fresh tuna in his fridge! Literally purchased a couple days ago and never unpacked, so it hasn't gone fishy either! It's also sushi grade, so he can either leave it raw? Or try and get a sear on it and cook it up mixed into the egg. At least scrambled egg and rice are easy things to do. ]

[ She refuses to even try, thank you. Shaking her head, a part of her fur that he's tied up in ribbons shakes with her. ]

Did you also make a stove explode...?

[ That was how it was with her first cooking attempt. It was awful and embarrassing. ]

Oh! Please forgive me. You needn't answer.

[ Since he might not want her to know!

For now, as she's receiving pets, she lays down on her belly next to her human boyfriend. Those little grey eyes looking up at him curiously. And perhaps there is a hint of sadness in the kitty's gaze. ]

... thank you, Cloud. I thought we would have a good day today. Being in this state has changed our plans drastically, and I'm... a little scared. But the fear feels bearable because you are here with me, though.

Edited (pressed post too soon wtf) 2022-09-17 08:21 (UTC)

[ A soft little huff, smiling as he scritches behind one of her ears. ]

Joking.

[ As for her asking if he made the stove explode? He doesn't stop petting her, but he has to glance down to her, head resting in his hand as he throws up an eyebrow. ]

No? [ ... ] —almost? Tried making an omelette and the apartment smelt like burnt smoke for the afternoon.

[ He answers, but, how does SMOKE burn?! NOT REALLY INSTILLING A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN YOUR GIRLFRIEND WITH YOUR COOKING, MAN. ]

[ "... thank you, Cloud." as he listens to her, lamenting her condition and how it changed their plans for the day, his petting slows down until his hand is resting on the center of her back. There's no sadness in his eyes, but his brows do lift with sympathy. With how emotional she's allowed herself to become around him, it's also given him the time to become more in tune with her feelings in turn.

With a soft sigh, he shifts a little on his side until he's closer to her, letting her keep on her belly but his hand gently scooching her a little closer against him until her side is resting along his front. Even now, he's soft with her, cat or human alike. ]

I'm still with you. Sounds like a good day to me.

[ And that, to him, was all that really mattered. Kitty or White Heron, she's still Kamisato Ayaka to him. And if she's scared? He'll be brave enough for both of them, reassuring her with an intent gaze as he locks eyes with her little greys. ]

We'll get you back.

Edited 2022-09-17 08:58 (UTC)

[ She lets herself be huddled up against him, nuzzling against him a couple of times before looking back at him again. ]

You truly are very kind. It is such an attractive quality you have.

[ She's not even trying to flirt. She really, truly, genuinely appreciates the kindness and patience he's shown her since they met. And she loves him for it. Unfortunate that kindness does not come naturally to other people.

She imagines others would be laughing at her, making fun of her, or trying to bring her down upon seeing her in this state. Cloud has never done that to her.

Now... if hand is anywhere nearby? She gets up to give his knuckles a lick. She would like to kiss him, but that is the best she can do. 😔 ]

[ It's just like a friend back in Midgar once said (coincidentally enough while tending to his cats); deep down Cloud was a big softie. That side of him came out more strongly for others; Ayaka was the first person to receive a purer kindness...if only because she could never really deserve anything else. Not even when he was still learning the ropes on how to interact with people outside of being an Ex-SOLDIER or mercenary. The leaps and bounds he's made since departing Midgar, since arriving here...since being with her.

His hand was, indeed, nearby. The next time he glides up to pet the top of her head, thumb strumming along her side, he keeps it still when he feels her head move. And he can feel the wetness of her nose gently bumping his knuckles before she gives them a lick. It's rough, but with such a tiny munchkin cat like her...

His cheeks redden, lip forming a stiff line as he finds himself struggling over here. No. He does not roll around in joy when he's alone. A pump of his fist in triumph? A little "yes" to himself upon accomplishing something? Perhaps. But she's making a very damning case for him to just scoop her up and plop her right on his chest. Instead, he lets her kiss, his smile just warming even further without his truly realizing it. ]

Too cute for your own good...

[ If she could show her smile to Cloud, she would. But she does look very content right now. Despite how worried she feels, she also is at ease. ]

That is strange to hear as a cat. But I will accept the compliment.

[ :T Now if she could pout, she would! But her eyes do droop a little, showing lack of amusement. ]

Shall we make breakfast now?

[ ... well, it'll mostly be him, but you know. ]

[ "That is strange to hear as a cat." He looks more amused now than ever, more free to speak his mind. ~~He's not a good bully. But it's not even bullying if he's just being honest, right?~~ ]

Trust me, it's a different kinda cute.

[ Now, if she wants to hear her 'human' cute traits? He'll just have to make note to list them later. She suggests they begin breakfast, and while he could go for something? He's more concerned with fueling his little kitty. ...but more pressing now, with her stubby little legs, he thinks to himself, ]

...

Want me to carry you down the stairs?

[ Her obscene amount of fluff might break her fall, but he doesn't want a tumbling Ayaka trying to follow him down. ]

Yes, please. I am able to walk like this, but... I do not know if I would be able to go down the stairs without taking too long.

[ She feels so small like this, Cloud! Cats are stretchy and can jump long distances easily, but she is not a cat. Nor has she had a lot of practice. So yes, she would appreciate the help.

If she were with any other person, she wouldn't accept the offer. She can do things on her own, thank you. ]

Can't say I blame you. You're no cat.

[ ...not yet, anyway. Even if she's going to ruin cats for the rest of her race now. Sure enough, as he rolls onto his back and sits upright, he gingerly places his hand beneath her chest, coaxing her closer before he can effectively scoop her up, tucking her against his chest. ]

Right. Upsy daisy.

[ You're awfully high up, Ayaka. Don't look down! They traverse their way down the stairs together, bounding down before turning around the corner and down the hallway leading to the living room, and past that to the kitchen. Being so tiny, and considering she didn't know how to use her new body yet, he decides to plop her down on the countertop. Even if she sheds, he can just wipe it up, he thinks to himself. At least he's not allergic.

She can't prepare tea like this either... But at least he starts off with washing the rice, rinsing his hands before he can begin. ]

You okay up here?

[ His fingers dig through the grains as he works the starch out, looking over to Ayaka across the counter. It only just occurred to him that he really didn't do much cooking in front of her... Now the pressure was on. He was going to make the best damn tuna and cheese scrambled egg possible. The rice, at least, tends to take care of itself now that he's practiced for enough months. ]

[ If she trips and falls off the counter, she'll just use her claws on Cloud again— WAIT FASDGSDG ]

Yes. I should be okay if I am careful.

[ She doesn't want to get her fur on the food, so she watches Cloud from a distance. Oh! Maybe she can help? Um... the salt and pepper should be nearby, so... if she just tries to take the salt shaker with both her front legs and push it to where Cloud is... ]

You mustn't forget seasoning for the eggs.

[ Helping!! ]

[ she claw. he heal. it's a perpetual cycle.

Once the rice is washed and he has it set, foregoing any soy sauce or other fixings he would otherwise experiment with for traditional white rice, he sets the pot on the burner and leaves it to steam and cook. He's gotten pretty good at measuring how much water was needed for rice, eyeballing it by this point in time before he fetches a skillet for the eggs. He thinks...three? He looks over at Ayaka as he holds a fourth one. Would that be good for the both of them? She should have the equivalent of one, probably...or less, given her teeny tummy. He's terrible at cracking eggs still, so he won't be doing any fancy one-handed cracking any time soon, but he's at least not getting shell in the bowl as he cracks them in! Before he can start whisking them though, Ayaka's pushing the salt shaker on his counter towards him.

From the corner of his peripheral, he spots Nyayaka and has to stop literally everything to watch her. This is...a first. Red XIII may be good without opposable thumbs, but he was born that way. Ayaka's fluffy little self carefully nudging a salt shaker up to him before coaching him to season the eggs was cute beyond words.

So cute, that he doesn't even bring attention to it, realizing that he could have very well skipped this step. ]

Oh- Thanks. [ A beat. ] Prolly woulda forgot, actually.

[ He accepts the salt shaker, setting it by the bowl for when he begins to whisk and mix. If he's going to make softer scrambled eggs, he's gotta make sure he preps everything before it goes in the skillet with some butter. That part, he learned through lots of trial and error. Just when he's prepared to whip the eggs, however... ]

...

[ He takes one good look at his girlfriend atop the counter, watching so patiently.

"—with cheese and tuna..." ]

Just a sec. [ He steps away from the mixing bowl and stovetop, going to his icebox to retrieve the freshly wrapped tuna that's already been filleted for him. ] At least this is something I know anyone can have.

[ Mimicking the sushi chefs that he's seen in bars slicing it on an angle, he sets the fresh fish on his cutting board and makes sure to cut off a couple nicely sliced pieces of tuna before setting it on a plate. No way was she getting it just dropped right on the counter. The cuts...actually look pretty clean! ]

Here. [ She can't really use a fork or chopsticks, but...he still sets the little plate in front of Ayaka with the tuna sashimi slices, a little smile along the way. ] To tide you over.

[ And for helping. ]

You have sashimi!

[ What a surprise! Hopefully this wasn't too expensive for him... She really should do her best to shop for Cloud, too. So she can help in this household, too.

Her tail is back up again as she stands on all fours. Looking at the plate with starry eyes, then back at Cloud... gosh, he's spoiling his girlfriend so much!

Her little kitty tummy rumbles. ]

Just a small bite. I would like to wait for you.

[ Just as Cloud waits for her to finish making tea before starting his meals. He's always been so sweet... and she has a lot to make up for.

Seeing as the piece is a little big for her though, she brings out a claw to slice the piece with. The fish has lines for her to figure out where to cut, and when she's sliced the piece into six? She bites on one and sucks it into her mouth. Given that it's a small piece? He might have missed it if he wasn't watching. ]

Just something to practice with.

[ There are different kinds of tuna, apparently. This one, while still terrific, was among the cheaper fish. But thankfully, part of it can be used and go good with the scrambled egg! Come to think of it, maybe searing the tuna before cutting and mixing it in with the scrambled egg was a better idea...

Though now that he's spotting Ayaka attempt to cut it with a claw to make the bits smaller before slurping a tinier piece, ]

Ah. Good idea. [ He takes another section of the block of tuna, this time a chunkier piece this time, while wrapping the remaining fish back up to set in the fridge. He'll sear that off, before cutting it into even littler pieces to go in the egg. The butter goes in as the pan runs closer to medium-high on heat. Hopefully he doesn't mess this part up... He really wants to make this good for her. Even if she's a cat. ] Y'know...

I think I've got my next cooking project.

[ With the little bit of butter that's melted and coating the pan? On goes the tuna piece! Just enough to cook the outside and some. ~Sizzle~ ]

Nya?

[ It's after her third bite that Cloud talks about his next cooking project. Ah... at least she doesn't have to chew! She can answer almost immediately. ]

What will be your next cooking project?

[ She would have ended her question with a "my love", but it feels weird to hear that from a cat. Ayaka controls herself for now, even though she has gotten used to calling Cloud that. Not to mention? She really loves doing it. There's something fulfilling about it. ]

[ The shrine is back in the living room, but where that portrait of his mother and him as a child remains, sits in his mind's eye when she asks about his next project. Thinking of it now, as he lets the tuna rest in the pan for another half minute before flipping it, brings a smile to his face. Along with a soft glow of a blush in his cheeks. ]

I ever tell you what Mom was known for in my village? [ He wouldn't even know where to begin to get that authentic, rich taste, but... ] Stew was her specialty. Throw a buncha stuff in a pot and let it cook nice and slow.

Mm. [ He nods, talking himself through what he wants to do for her. ] I want you to try it.

[ Tuna flip! Next to salt the eggs, alone with a little bit of black pepper. He's lighter on the sodium, however. Usually he'd use double the amount (normal), but he only gives two shakes into the bowl. ]

[ Fluffy cat is now surrounded by flowers ☺️☺️☺️ ]

Yes, please!

[ She would like to try it!! How exciting! ]

Your mother's stew must be so delicious if so many people know of it!

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