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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[ "H- Hello, my love." ]

...

[ Frankly, if she'd stayed as a cat for long enough, he still would have told her that he loved her. But that's a moot point, now! More importantly, she finally cuts through that fog in his brain with four simple words. What the hell was he going to say otherwise? It wasn't like they were trying to be affectionate earlier. ...not in the way that would have left her perched on that counter longer. So his breath clips, grip on the counter tensing for a moment as he pushes himself back up. ]

R-Right. Sorry. Just...

[ Maybe it's the fact that they're not at the Kamisato Estate right now, not to mention it having to do with it being Ayaka, but even with her state of undress, Cloud is more focused on the more important facts. Had she not asked to be excused? He would have stayed right there, beating her to the punch with that kiss she'd been wishing for as a cat. Clearing his throat, he takes her hand to help her hop back down.

...

If she jiggles from that, his peripheral view apologizes— I MEAN ]

Unless we're dreaming, that coulda been a lot worse.

[ As in. She could have been a cat for much longer, like he thought she'd be... If she takes her leave to get dressed, he's going to be knocking on wood. ]

[ She does take his hand to get down, but Cloud's going to notice that she's not looking at him. Once her feet are on the floor, she bows her head before walking away. It is a walk of shame, and she only starts moving faster and running up when she reaches the stairs.

Ayaka says nothing about the consolation Cloud had provided. She doesn't have anything she wants to say about any of this any more. She's done being a cat, so she would like to move on.

Even as she changes, putting her dress back on and all, she comes up with ways to move on from the situation. It was just Cloud present when she became human again, but it didn't make what happened any less embarrassing. He just saw her naked! And it wasn't because they were kissing each other and touching one another! That's what makes this so awkward!!!

Cloud shouldn't be worried, but Ayaka does take some time upstairs. Even after dressing up, she finds herself staring at the mirror and... well, she's not frowning or anything, but she still doesn't look all too happy. A little peptalk does the trick, though. She can trust Cloud, and she can trust in him that he won't tell anyone about what happened. He's always kept her safe, so even if she feels so embarrassed for what happened when she became human again? She thinks he'd do what he can to cheer her up, and just thinking about Cloud doing something for her is already doing wonders. ]

[ When she's back down, she makes no scene of what happened. A polite smile, and she finds herself back in the kitchen. Cloud should be done cooking, but... ]

I'll prepare the tea.

[ Back to normal. :) ]

[ Any other time, under any other circumstance, Cloud might have understood why she wasn't exactly looking at him. It wasn't anything he did or said. ...okay maybe it was something he accidentally did. He wordlessly follows her to the bottom of the stairs, instinctively keeping a lookout for anyone that could dare see them despite the fact they're nowhere near any windows or open doors in his own new house. Ever protective as he shakes his head and sighs once she leaves his view. That could have gone more smoothly...

Perhaps talking about her more feline transformation after would be best. They can get on with their day again!

...

Riiight after he takes the rice off the burner as it finishes steaming so he can begin with plating. It's really a simplistic breakfast, with fresh hot rice on one side and soft, fluffy scrambled eggs on the other. Except there's one tiny little finishing touch he decides to add for her. Before, he wouldn't have given a rats ass about presentation. But if his girlfriend was going to be putting in the effort for him? Then...well, there's a reason he was going to be trying his best to replicate his mother's stew for her down the road.

Sesame seeds on top and the dish is ready! The only problem was, waiting for Ayaka to come back down after having taken such a long time.

As tempted as he was to come up the stairs to check on her, he also gives her the benefit of the doubt by biding his time to wait. ...and take his magi-comm in hand and fire up a video that just went live almost two hours prior.

"Nya nya nya, nya nya nyanyany—"

Suddenly,

"I'll prepare the tea." ]

!

[ Magi-comm back in pocket, GO. A bowl of tuna-flecked scrambled egg and cheese with sesame seed garnish and rice? GO. Not rewatching their cat video? ...hahahANYWAY ]

Sure thing.

[ Back to normal, indeed. Even if he really couldn't help but be filled with relief that she was standing in front of him again, as her true self. The smile that returns to his face, warmer than normal, says as much as he brings over the bowl for her to see for herself. And also because this was one of the first times he's actually cooked for her. ]

How's it look?

It looks very appetising.

[ Ayaka is none the wiser to your kitty shenanigans, Strife!! BE THANKFUL.

And she would like to sit down already, but she offered to make tea. Hopefully the food will remain warm while she boils some water. It shouldn't take a while, and she can join Cloud while she mixes the matcha. He can eat ahead if he likes! So long as she's next to him again.

About two minutes later when the water's been boiled, she comes back to the dining with the pot, the matcha, and the other things for her not-so-elaborate tea ceremony. She really loves doing this... and Cloud as her tea-drinking partner has always been so enjoyable. ]

Do we have soy sauce?

[ There's nobody else in the house, and no pets to steal their meals! So while she remains in the kitchen to boil water for their tea, he's quick to set their bowls down. Considering that they were preparing a meal for a kitty-sized appetite...it's really not that elaborate. If anything, the fact it's scrambled egg and rice and that's it? At least, in his eyes feels kind of pathetic compared to what Ayaka's given to him.

She doesn't judge him for it, and yet it's all the more reason he has to embrace the spark that'll drive his cooking skills up. He'll never be a chef. But a home cook? Not just for himself, but for his friends and girlfriend alike, it's something worth picking up. At the very least, Cloud was adept and quick to catch on with various things when he puts his mind to them! He was prepared to return to the kitchen to wait for her to finish up when she was already back to greet him. ]

Oh! Right, right. Hold on.

[ That's a "yes" from Cloud if there ever was any. If she weren't carrying a pot of boiling water and various other knickknacks, he may have stolen away a quick kiss from her on his way by. While she settles the table and prepares the tea real quick, he'll go dig into his icebox and grab the soy sauce! ...well, "dig" as in not reach very far. It's still relatively empty and in need of stocking. The subtle aroma of matcha fills the dining room air when he returns with a fancy little glass bottle with its red cap. ]

You still wanna check out the nearby market with me after?

[ The tea is just about ready by the time Cloud comes back with the soy sauce. Just a few more seconds of mixing everything, and she's got a good and thick blend of green tea! It's a heavy complement to their breakfast, but Ayaka thinks it is still a good combination.

Pouring a cup for Cloud first, and then her own, she gestures to their breakfast. ]

Let us eat. [ Hehe! She laughs softly, covering her mouth with her hand. ] I won't have to eat by putting my face to the bowl. I am fortunate.

[ She's no longer a cat! She can prepare tea and eat properly. While Cloud may not have considered Ayaka an inconvenience, she is glad that she's back to normal. That means he can focus on his own thing, and she can go back to the role she's wanted to play around him— that of a partner and someone who supports him in full. ]

Oh— [ Their plans for the day!! Ayaka nods immediately, happy that they don't need to cancel anything anymore. ] Yes. I would like to do that.

[ いただきます! With a gentle clap of his hands together, Cloud welcomes the new meal and refreshing tea. Picking up a clump of white rice with some egg atop it, he can't help but smile a little as she brings her prior predicament back up. Perhaps the less they talk about how it ended, retracing those memories couldn't be too bad. It's not like her beau had any intention of stretching the conversation out forever, either. She's back to normal now; he wouldn't want things to be any different. Yet, with a brief yet thoughtful hum as he looks to his girlfriend by his side, ]

I coulda fed you.

[ Holding out his chopsticks for a tiny kitty to accept while he held the egg and rice steady? ... Kind of like what he's doing now? With a hand beneath the end of his chopsticks in case he happens to drop anything, he doesn't intrude any further, holding it towards her without shoving it in her face. In the comfort of his home, and with the person most important to him, she's getting a glimpse at a rarer playful side of Cloud. A side that usually came out in the form of taunting and teasing, with Ayaka it's something softer. ]

Something like...

[ This? ]

I couldn't possibly— [ Ah... her protest comes a little too late, because there's Cloud, feeding her like he said he would.

Her face turns just as red as the ribbons in her hair, and she has to look away for a moment as she tries to calm herself down. Teasing or not, Cloud's actions certainly have an effect on the young Kamisato lady. ] Ah...

I am not a cat anymore.

[ >:T Cloud does not see Ayaka pout often, because it is an expression she rarely feels the need to make, and yet, here she is. She cannot say no to him, though, so she leans forward to be fed.

The rice is soft, and the egg is fluffy, so she is quick to swallow, not even savouring the food. ]

Thank you very much.

[ "I am not a cat anymore." It's a good thing that Cloud doesn't have a penchant for ~~bullying~~ teasing very often. It just meant he can preserve this little moment in his memories along with the rest of the moments that saw him fall so hard for her. Before, this had embarrassed him to be on the receiving end of. And depending on the right circumstances? It was still going to fluster him. Cloud didn't see himself as the "lovey-dovey" type, but it's still much easier to soften up around Ayaka now.

He does indeed relent once she accepts the bit of rice and egg off the end of his chopsticks. There's only little flecks of tuna throughout the egg. And considering Ayaka was still a kitten at the time...it might be underseasoned. Luckily, soy sauce was going to save the day! Leaning back, he sighs through his nose as his smile turns into something more sympathetic. ]

Sorry. Shoulda specified I'd try this normally, too.

[ With that nonchalant confession that he'd return the favor and feed her like she's done for him out of the way, he's content to start eating! ]

I should have plenty of leftover rice. [ A beat. ] Heard that frying it after is a good way to get it all used up.

[ Don't set your kitchen on fire too, Cloud. You just got this place. kjahdf ]

[ As if Cloud has said a magical word, Ayaka's eyes light up. Leftover rice? That could only mean...! ]

We need not fry it. [ No... No need for that, Cloud... ] If you would allow me, I can prepare more tea to make chazuke.

[ Her favourite food!!! ]

Huh? [ Color him curious. She...wasn't a fan of fried rice? He's less disappointed and more intrigued as he sits more upright in his seiza posture. When she brightens further and makes mention of chazuke, it clicks with him. ] Ohhh...

[ :O ]

I wouldn't mind. Never tried chazuke, myself. [ He goes for the little bottle of soy sauce, ] Does the rice hafta be cold or anything?

[ And drizzles some over his rice. ...and even the egg! It was lacking in salt. Problem solved. ]

I like all kinds of food, and I would love to be able to taste foreign cuisine. Chazuke is a dish I am fond of from home, however.

[ Her favourite!! She's so very happy to be able to share this with Cloud. It shows in how earnest her smile is, just like how she was when she first performed a tea ceremony for him. ]

It is simple. It can be heated, but you pour hot tea on it, and it heats everything.

It is especially good when you add leftover meat to it, as well.

Edited 2022-09-30 11:19 (UTC)

[ To taste foreign cuisine... From the times their conversations veered in the direction of food, they found that their worlds seemed to have similar tastes. But there was still something special about trying something from a foreign land, even back home. In a way, hearing her speak so earnestly about Chazuke and the smile that graces her lips as she gets excited thinking about it, only serves to light that spark and make it burn hotter for Cloud. He's a swordsman and a fighter, but that didn't mean he couldn't learn...

Yes. He'll reach deep into his memories and try to rediscover the tastes of home once again. So help him, he was going to make sure Ayaka didn't just get to try foreign cuisine, but something literally out of this world. It shows in the way he starts to smile lightly in kind, nodding his head as he listens to her explain her favorite dish. ]

Well, now I know what else to grab while we go to the marketplace. [ A beat. ] Gonna need a meat or two for the Chazuke I wind up making.

[ It sounds really simple. And of course he'll want to try it from her, first. ... He huffs then, cheeks turning a faint shade of red. He won't say why, simply returning to his late breakfast. But the thought ran through his mind. Was he the type to daydream? Not so often...but a memory waiting to be made sprung into his thoughts- the thought of her coming down to find him up later in the evening, preparing a bowl of her tea-infused comfort food. ]

Edited 2022-10-01 04:55 (UTC)

Hehe. It is something I enjoy eating when it is late at night, and everyone has gone to bed.

[ Those moments when she sneaks into the kitchen was to make chazuke, Cloud! :) ]

I'm glad... When I talk about things I like, you always seem to listen and take interest in them, too.

[ Hanakotoba, literature, amongst other things. She really feels grateful to Cloud. Beyond being her beau, she feels she has a true friend in him. ]

Sounds easy enough to whip up...

[ The conversation veers in the direction of his interests, and how he'd found himself growing attached to hers with time... Mulling it over as he takes another bite of his rice and egg, whereas in the past he would have tried to shy away, pushing his old persona on the situation in a bid to uphold the image of himself? Too much has happened since then... He's remembered so much. And yet... ]

I've been told I'm a good listener. [ Perhaps even moreso now. His hands fold over each other on the table as he takes a little break from his bowl with a loosed sigh. ] Truth is... I'm not sure I woulda tried so many things before.

Before I came here and got my memories back, I was just focused on making money, and...building on my reputation as an Ex-SOLDIER. [ "Being an asshole", Cloud. It's okay. You can say it. ] For all I knew, fighting's all I was good for.

[ That thought does tug the corner of his lip back down, though his eyes do return to Ayaka by his side. And just like that...the sight of her is what brings some of that light back. There were only a select couple of people who could see glimpses of that lonely country boy who wanted to be recognized, flecks of the real Cloud Strife through cracks in the glass. But now? ]

Feels like ever since I got here... [ Ayaka can see him too. Clearer and clearer by the day. She's taken her place in the deepest spot of his heart. ] I've been figuring myself out as I go.

[ Cloud smiles, humming with a nod. Mm. ]

And I get to do that with you. [ A beat. ] Hope you don't mind if I keep listening.

[ And taking an interest in the things he listens to. ]

[ She almost falters when it looks like Cloud's mood has died. When their eyes meet, however, her mood lifts just as much as his does.

When she looks back at everything now, what she's learned of Cloud are during times they've spent together. He's told stories of home, but Cloud liked to talk more of the present than the past.

There's nothing wrong with it, but... when she realises it now, she grows curious. ]

I do not mind, [ Ayaka shakes her head in response, the ribbons in her hair swaying left to right and vice-versa. ] When... When the opportunity arises, however. . . I should like to get to know you better.

Your interests, what you have picked up here, or even things you've always wanted to do in your home that doesn't concern fighting.

I would like to listen to you, too. [ Even though he's not good at talking or opening up, she would like for him to have a space to do so. He can be comfortable with her, just as much as she has been with him. ]

[ He should have seen that return statement coming. How Ayaka wanted to know him better in turn. Before, when they first met or even earlier, that might have been an even taller task. And it had nothing to do with Ayaka or any shortcomings. ]

Really? [ Partway rhetorical, Cloud brings his hand to his chin as if he were searching for ideas. A starting point for her. It wasn't like this was trouble for him or anything, so...maybe it was about time he started trusting his own interests more. Things he's picked up on here. Share in them with her as well. Except, well...there was just one problem. ] Well... For now, things I think I'm starting to like are harder to do here.

Like riding a motorcycle. Not sure if the magitech in this world can make something like that.

[ But he'll never know if he doesn't try! ]

[ Sorry, Cloud... Your girlfriend kind of lives in a nation that's not at all technologically advanced. ]

What... is a motorcycle?

[ She doesn't think she's heard of that term before. ]

[ And this time? Cloud is prepared for that reminder! He had a feeling it'd fly over her head, so, no "what. you don't know what a motorcycle is?" No condescending tones here! Only...admittedly, some eagerness? ]

It's like a bicycle, but it goes way faster because it runs on an engine of sorts.

An engine...

[ Okay, she can imagine something, sort of? Like a bicycle with an engine attached to it! How big is the engine, though? In her head, it is not very small... ]

What of your pedaling? Would your legs give out because it is moving too fast?

That's just it.

The engine's what makes the bike go. You twist one of the handlebars to accelerate. No pedals involved.

If I had a map of Inazuma, I could tell you how fast I could cross it.

[ She still looks rather perplexed. At the very least, she's thinking, using her brain to imagine what a motorcycle looks like, but. . . ]

I am having difficulty imagining it.

But my brother did get that... "car". Perhaps we will be able to find a "motorcycle" here.

Hmm...

[ What can he do... He can only use words and gesture so much and- gesture? Gesture. That's a start! ]

[ Cloud suddenly scoots back from the table and pops back to his feet. So sudden... ]

Be back in a quick sec. Got an idea.

[ And just like that, it's Cloud's turn to go running back up the stairs. ...only this time, his excuse wasn't anywhere near as embarrassing as hers. He's not naked. KJFHDAS ]

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