open ✨ life can be harsh, it can be bitter.

[starshower]

Who: Tifa Lockhart feat. Cloud Strife & YOU
What: September catch-all. Tifa tries to find something else she enjoys outside of Heavenly Blanc, and drags Cloud along for the ride.
Where: Where the threads happen
When: When the threads happen
Content Warnings: N/A

𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘧𝘧, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 '𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚍 & 𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚊 ★ 𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚘𝚙 ★ 𝚋𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 ★ 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚍 ★ ♫

Comments

[memorate]

Perfect at ruining sushi, maybe... [ He mutters to himself, still unhappy with his baby steps. For some reason he's expecting to be an expert at this already.

Thankfully, they do happen to have some utensils around, and Cloud hands over a clean fork. Please enjoy?? ]

I think "customer" is kind of a stretch, we're feeding everyone for free. Sure they're grateful today, but people tend to forget the favours they owe.

[ He talks like they're still in Midgar. ]

[starshower]

[He really is talking like they're in Midgar. Like they're back on their first day of running around Sector Seven looking for work and spreading the word about the new merc in town. Need she remind him again about the lessons!? Make connections, build relationships, etc.

At any rate, Tifa waves a finger.]

No favours needed, [she adds on first, firmly to Cloud. Stop making people think they have to pay them!!!] Our sushi might not be perfect yet, but we're definitely making sure that everyone's getting enough to eat. And that it's tasty, too.

[The sushi isn't coming out as aesthetically pleasing as she hoped it would, but it all goes down the same way, right? She's watching Aerith expectantly as Cloud hands over a fork...]

[anciently]

[ Aerith accepts the fork, nodding approvingly as Tifa speaks. ]

We've all gotta eat, right? I'm just glad someone's preparing it who knows what they're doing! [ It can't be that bad, right?? ] And I'm sure, if we need something, the people you've helped out would be happy to return the favor. You just have to ask!

[ This isn't Midgar; the people here are...different. Really different, in some cases, but generally more willing to help strangers than those from their home.

Aerith pauses for dramatic effect before spearing the sushi and raising it. ]

Here goes! [ Please revive her if this knocks her out, okay?

The brunette takes a bite, and there's a thoughtful pause as she chews, trying to keep her expression neutral. ]

Well... [ Finally, she unveils a big grin, and offers the pair a thumbs-up. ] Gotta say: you really did a great job! It tastes great! No matter how it looks.

[ It's got the Aerith Seal of Approval, at any rate! ]

[memorate]

[ Cloud lets out a huge sigh of relief, although not quite intentionally. When he catches himself doing that, he quickly readjusts his countenance, acting like he knew that it was going to be a hit all along. ]

Of course it's great. You're eating SUSHI 1st Class.

[ That has nothing to do with being SOLDIER and they all know it. But wow, his attitude changed real quick, huh? He turns to Tifa, pleased with their work. ]

Think we've earned ourselves a little break too.

[starshower]

[SUSHI 1st Class...]

Oh, that's another good name... [She mutters to herself under a hand pressing thoughtfully to her lips.

If Strife's Bites doesn't get off the ground with Cloud, even though it's objectively the best name, then maybe this one will.

Pleased with herself, she beams at the two of them, her chest puffing up with a sense of pride and happiness. Not only did they just get the Aerith seal of approval, but it feels like it's been a while since the three of them smiled together like this, or if there was ever a time at all.]

It all goes down the same way, right? [She says to Aerith, before she removes her apron and hops around to the outside of the booth, stealing the seat next to her friend.] We both could really use a break, yeah. But first... [She gives the counter a slap and sets down two gil.] I'd like a SUSHI 1st Class, too. And get the lady a drink!

[She pauses to smile wider at the both of them.]

... Please.

[anciently]

[ Jeez. Tifa is so cute. ]

Please! But also - on the double! [ Aerith mimes banging a fist down on the counter, but she's still grinning and is very clearly basking in the easy way the three of them seem to fall back into being in each other's presence. ] I didn't think of what I'd wash it all down with, so now I've got a powerful thirst!

[ Or something. She laughs a little at herself, shrugging helplessly. ]

May I recommend the chef's special? [ She asks, turning sideways to Tifa. ] All customers agree that it's the best sushi you'll find in the void!

[ It's. The only sushi, as far as she knows, but...whatever!! ]

[memorate]

[ He somehow still ends up working even when he's the one who suggested the break, huh? Well, as long as they're having fun, he might as well start making himself useful by preparing another sushi roll.

Slowly.

He doesn't want to ruin it...!! ]

What is this, a date? You don't have to order things for the other one.

[ Speaking of orders, a real professional would have served them up a drink first, but he clearly has no idea what he's doing. Rolling up this sushi is kind of stressful! ]

[starshower]

[She's happy to wait and watches him from her side of the counter with a patient smile as he tries to roll up the sushi. Tifa would be perfectly fine if he handed it to her just the way it is, unrolled and messy, just like their No Preference Sushi, but won't discourage him from trying to improve.]

It sure is. Our first date.

[Her grin is wide, with a splash of mischief among her amusement.]

No harm in recommending things if you know what's good, right? It's how you know you've got a good relationship with your customers, and that they've got faith in you!

[anciently]

You've got a lot to learn from Tifa about the restaurant biz, Cloud. [ Aerith informs him, nodding sagely. ] But you're off to a very promising start!

[ It's.......going to be a long time before they receive another roll to eat, isn't it ]

I bet that's harder than it looks, too. [ She adds, without a hint of teasing this time. ] I'm not sure I'd be able to make anything worth serving.

[ though she...does kinda want to try it now, tbh ]

[memorate]

[ Cloud remembers a time they both promised him a date, but perhaps it's for the best he's out of the equation here. If he's feeling the pressure just from making sushi, he's not sure he'd be able to handle trying to keep things entertaining. ]

Not hard at all. Just gotta know what you're doing.

[ He doesn't know what he's doing.

But sure enough, after two attempts and quiet concentration from Cloud, he delivers Tifa a half-decently rolled up sushi. For something that has the same name as what Aerith is having, it sure looks a little bit different in presentation...! ]

[starshower]

[Don't worry, Tifa hasn't forgotten and is still going to hold him to that date. Too bad there's no way for them to have matching outfits here. For now, this will have to do.

She accepts the sushi happily, genuinely elated to try something he made all on his own, without any help from her. So happy that she wiggles on her stool before she pats the one next to her, motioning for him to finally join the girls on the other side of the counter for that well-deserved break.

Then, she takes her first bite of a roll, eating half of it in a single go. She's silent while she chews, a smile trying to pull its way onto her lips, and it's not until she swallows that she gives her verdict.]

Delicious! Compliments to the chef!

[Tifa means it, and takes another large bite. She's so proud of you, Cloud. :')]

You should give it a try sometime, Aerith! It's really not that bad once you get the hang of it.

[anciently]

Oh, yeah? [ Her tone is almost challenging, as if daring Tifa to try a sushi roll that she might make, and which might end up a total disaster. ] You might regret it...if you're going to do a taste-test, that is!

[ Well, maybe someday. It'd be worth getting the hang of it to be able to make sushi rolls, though! ]

A job well done, all around. [ Aerith announces, laying her hands on her lap and nodding approvingly to both of the others. ] You'll have a line around the block in no time! You'll see.