Work Text:
Dark clouds swirled in the sky. With a clap of thunder, you came into existence with a loud cry as rain fell over the land. The same day, the Miya household was also blessed with birth, or more accurately, two of them.
After hours around the clock, the soft bundles of twin brothers, Osamu and Atsumu slept soundly next to their exhausted mother. While Atsumu quietly snored, unaware of the new world he had entered, Osamu was already listening to the pitter-patter of the rain that welcomed him. He didn't know the sound belonged to rain, but he loved it.
The first month after the twins were born, rain fell often; not so much that the banks would flood, but just enough to make up for a season of drought that had worried the farmers. It seemed as though the miracle birth of the twins brought the rain. For the Miyas, who made cheongju for generations, water that tasted clean and sweet was the heart of their craft. Only the best rice and water could produce a liquor pure enough for ancestral rites and offerings, and for the royal court.
Like how rice fermentation took many years to master, controlling the clouds was also difficult work. At first, you could barely make a puff, but with the guidance of other fairies, you slowly learned how to create fluffy shapes and soft wisps. Although your clouds were still tiny, barely visible in the sky, you would slowly grow and become better day by day. At the same time, the Miya brothers grew up too.
You met Osamu for the first time in your eighth autumn when you were tasked to clear out the stratus clouds that laid close to the earth like a thin blanket. The winds and their guardians were lazy, leaving all the work to you. While you pushed and pulled the clouds away, you accidentally took a tumble. Osamu was taking a dive in a lake and heard a loud splash behind him. He was alarmed when he turned around, eyes widening in shock upon seeing a stranger rise from the water. Osamu stared at your eye color, your brows, the small “o” of your lips as your face clearly showed your shock—he couldn't tear his gaze away, completely in awe with you who had quite literally fallen from the heavens. The clouds cleared and sunlight spilled over the lake, shimmering on the surface.
"An angel..." Osamu whispered, still caught in a stupor.
"I'm a cloud fairy!" you corrected him with a huff. "And you have a frog on your head."
Ribbit.
"AH!" Osamu splashed back while the small frog plopped onto a nearby lily pad. As if he weren't already ten shades redder, your muffled giggles made him even more mortified. "Stop pranking me like 'Tsumu," he complained, sinking into the lake to hide himself.
"Who's 'Tsumu?"
"My brother, we're twins," he explained, and quietly added, "I'm Osamu."
"Oh. Hi Osamu."
You couldn't have known that this meeting, by fate or by accident, would alter the course of your entire existence. Because of your tumble, from that day on, you knew of Miya Osamu, and you noticed the boy from your clouds.
More years went by as you worked hard to perfect all of the cloud-forms: high clouds like the cirrus and cirrocumulus to mid-range clouds like nimbostratus and altostratus—and your favorite, the cumulus clouds. Cumulus clouds were adorable blobs of fluff flying low near the ground. You could relax comfortably between the soft white and see everything clearly: the grasshopper stirred in the fields, the children were running through the meadow, and Osamu was busy preparing for his first appearance at the cheongju demonstration.
Osamu, in his eighteenth year, was hailed as a prodigy in the rice wine community. At the age of ten, he had already distinguished himself with a sensitive palate. He could tell you the origin of the water with one sip, whether it was from a spring in the north or a lake from the south. Was it dewdrops from the morning fog? Or did the freshness of bamboo linger? Osamu's skill to detect nuances in taste and temperature rivalled old masters. Everyone was eager to try Osamu's first work, eager to experience the prodigy's poetic inspirations that would be conveyed through his alcohol.
And Osamu certainly got the finest ingredients, you made sure of it. You begged the other fairies, sprites, and minor gods so Osamu would journey safely. You had them light the way so he would notice the hidden well with water that contained the perfect balance of minerals. You were teased with questions like, "Why is a cloud trying to be a harvest goddess?" but you didn't care because with the rain you conjured with the gods, the rice that Osamu found was the best among the best.
The clouds swirled in the sky the day of the demonstration. It was a big affair, even the magistrate attended and tasted Osamu's creation. The magistrate first inhaled the sweet aroma, closing his eyes before taking a careful sip and offering a content smile.
"What is the name of this liquor young man?"
"I named it Floating Cloud, after...a dream I had as a boy."
"A fine brew, young man. You have the skill of all the masters who came before you."
"Thank you, sir. I'm honored by your graciousness, but there are still ways for me to go."
--
Even weeks after the event, you were dancing amongst the airy wisps gleeful for Osamu's successful debut, and utterly in joy over Osamu's tribute.
"Ah 'Samu, the clouds are back again," Atsumu complained, oiling the blade of his sword, "I swear it was because you're here, the clouds are just following you. It's like it's in love with you or something."
"You sound stupid, 'Tsumu." Osamu rolled his eyes while scrubbing the ceramic dishes.
"Hey 'Samu, what did you think of the magistrate’s daughter?"
"The lady is very...refined and proper."
Atsumu let out a strangled laugh disguised as an excessive snort. "That tiger-lady? Refined and proper? Please, far from it!"
"That's rude, you don't even know her."
"I bet she's crazy. Didya know, I definitely saw her looking at you. If I didn't stand in front of her, her gaze would have swallowed you on the spot."
Osamu turned to his twin, exasperated and annoyed. "If you're here to gossip, just get out."
"Aw come on, it's just a little bit of fun! Besides, don't you want to find someone before Ma and Pa set you up instead? Got anyone you're interested in?"
Osamu was silent. The vestiges of a memory that he couldn't tell if it was a dream or not constantly floated in his conscience, haunting him—the surprised, fallen, little cloud.
"Oh my heavens, 'Samu, there really is someone?" Atsumu scooted closer and grabbed Osamu's wrist. "Tell me, tell me. I swear, I won't tell anybody. Do I know her? Is it the daughter of the fortune teller? The bearskin seller? No, no, wait, I definitely know. She's—"
An empty basin toppled over when Osamu abruptly stood up. "None of them, okay. Leave."
"Calm down, I was just teasing." Atsumu pouted, sheathing the sword back into the scabbard. He slid off the wooden steps and skipped a few steps away. With an amused grin plastered on his face, he dropped a final statement, "She's either a sworn priestess or a celestial fairy then!"
"Go find your own bride before Ma and Pa match you with a...a...cricket!"
Their scuffles earned chides from fed-up neighbors. "Are the fox twins going at it again? What are they fighting about this time?"
"Haha, 'Samu has a lover! 'Samu is in l-o-v-e!"
"I'm going to kill you!"
"Ah! Fratricide!"
Atsumu quickly evaded Osamu's attacks and ran off into the distance. Of course, it was to be expected after all since Atsumu decided to forgo the family rice wine craft and pursue martial arts instead, recently passing the first round of the martial arts civil service exam.
Osamu sighed and took a seat on the large patch of grass off to the side. He saw that round puffs of clouds were in the cerulean skies and laid down to watch them float about. He loved these cumulus clouds best, and always thought they were adorable, especially that one cloud in the sky that always seemed familiar.
You felt Osamu's eyes on you and carefully peeked from your cloud. He couldn't see you, but his gaze was so intense that you still felt a bit shy. You wondered what he was thinking about while staring at your cloud, whether or not he liked it.
A frog. That was what the cloud reminded Osamu of. The bulging eyes and round body... Osamu reached out to the sky and you reached out too. From the steep perspective, your fingers seemed to touch. If you appeared in front of him...If you stepped out from off your cloud and met him again...would he remember you? You had to meet him again, after all these years, you had to see him again.
Many more days passed before you found the perfect chance to escape. The clouds were painted pink like the softest of flower petals when you gracefully descended onto the earth. You had to hurry, lest anyone notice that a cloud fairy was roaming around in a place other than the sky.
The grass was soft under your feet, the earth a stable foundation unlike the clouds you walked on. You approached him, fingers toying with the ribbon tie of your silk jacket top. Osamu was right there, the contours of his strong back and shoulders facing you. The wind rustled his hair, carrying the faint sweetness of rice wine.
"Osa—"
"Osamu!" a cheerful voice called out, forcing a halt in your steps.
"Oh, Lady Moon, apologies for not noticing your arrival earlier." Osamu stood up and greeted a young woman going his way. She had on the prettiest silk hanbok with an intricately knotted norigae decorating the outfit.
"I told you to just call me Ae-ra!" She freely plopped down on the grass motioned for Osamu to sit. "Do you come here to watch clouds often, Osamu?"
"I do, I like it very much. Would you like to join?"
There was no room for you here, you realized, turning around and walking away. You barely made twenty paces when you saw the stern faces of the other cloud fairies.
"I'm sorry," you whispered, squeezing your eyes shut and waiting for reprimands.
You only felt their hands pull you close as you leaned your weight on the eldest fairy. The others wove a cloud beneath your feet and you returned to the sky in the arms of all of them. There were no clouds left for Osamu to watch that day, as the clouds quickly cleared and the sky turned a vibrant orange. That evening, Osamu shared a sunset with the magistrate's daughter, a tiger girl who he found was strong and lovely in spirit.
--
A few months passed and Osamu didn't realize that he had stopped going to his favorite spot to watch clouds. He didn't notice the sky was often an azure blue with little to no clouds until Ae-ra pointed out how harsh the sun was. Osamu and Ae-ra were spending an afternoon in a boat on the lake, enjoying the blooming lotus flowers.
"It's so bright out today, I can barely open my eyes."
"I have an idea." Osamu reached out, grabbed onto a large lotus leaf and cut the stem with a small pocket knife. "We would do this as kids very often."
Ae-ra took the leaf and following Osamu's gesture, turned it upside down on her head like a sunhat. It became instantly cooler to her delight. She then took Osamu's pocket knife and picked out a lotus leaf for Osamu to match. They laughed together and Osamu told Ae-ra many tales of his adventures growing up with Atsumu.
"You tell the most fascinating stories, Osamu. And poor Atsumu, he should've known better than to eat the roots raw! I know that and I'm supposed to be sheltered!"
"I warned him not to, but he's just the type to have to try something out himself."
Ribbit.
"Look Osamu! Right there!" She tugged on Osamu's sleeves and pointed at a small frog clinging onto the stem of a lotus flower. "So cute!"
Osamu gazed lovingly at the girl's excited expression. "You're cute," he accidentally slipped out.
Ribbit.
Ae-ra immediately let go of Osamu's sleeve and properly sat up in her seat, flustered.
"I'm sorry. That was out of line. I apologize." Osamu turned away, too ashamed to face the lady in front of him. "It's about time, right? I'll row us back to the shore."
"No!" she said a little too loudly. Osamu stared at her, startled by the outburst. Ae-ra fiddled with the tassels of her norigae before shyly whispering, "Osamu, in truth, I have feelings for you."
The wind blew off the lotus leaf hat as Osamu felt his breath hitch in his throat. He swallowed hard and blinked back at Ae-ra as if what she just said was a figment of his imagination. He couldn't believe it, and his stomach turned with joy.
The other cloud fairies tried to get you to go to another part of the sky. They felt like it would be too painful for you to stay where you were. Cloud fairies migrated with the wind, but you were always an exception, tethered down to one area by a human heart.
"You never should have met him, look at you."
"How was I supposed to know, I was only eight. I just fell."
You knew deep down that even if you met with Osamu, there wasn't much you could have done. You doubted any human could accept a cloud. Despite how difficult it was to admit, you recognized that Osamu loved Ae-ra and Ae-ra loved Osamu. The two with different social classes had to overcome many struggles to earn support from both of their families. Osamu eventually proved himself and the magistrate finally agreed to let his beloved daughter marry into a commoner's family. It wasn't easy for them, but where did that leave you?
--
A wedding day was a special day. The matchmaker said it was going to be a happy day with no rain and clear skies. The sun would be a gentle warmth blessing the new couple.
"Who says!" a cloud fairy snapped. "So what if they predict that it's 'a clear day'. When did humans decide if there'll be clouds or not? I say let's darken the skies instead."
"Yea! The thunder god owes me a favor, let's stir up a storm!"
You sighed and pushed the two away. "Don't bother, that's not going to make me happy."
"Aw come on! Come on! You keep letting chances slip."
"What do you suggest I do? Impersonate the bride? I can't stay in the human realm for long, we're clouds," you retorted back. You buried your face in a soft cloud puff. "What'll happen to Osamu then? He'll be alone."
"Do you really want to see them get married?"
No. "They deserve each other. Besides, it was probably already fate. Can you all...just leave me alone?"
"But—"
The other cloud fairy pulled on her companion's arm and shook her head. The first glanced sorrowfully at you before turning around and leaving you to your own thoughts.
You saw Atsumu adjusting Osamu's jade belt. Atsumu was very focused while he fixed the small details on Osamu's wedding attire; he was completely different from his normal comedic self. The brothers exchanged a few words before Osamu stepped out of the house where the wedding procession was already waiting for him.
Osamu comfortably sat on the saddle and took the reins of the horse to begin his journey to the bride's home. The air was filled with the sounds of gongs and celebratory cheer as the traditional rites were followed through one at a time. The altars were ready and flower petals danced.
Osamu saw the clouds in the sky begin to gather. It wasn't supposed to rain, but maybe the weather watchers were wrong. To him, he never thought that dark skies or rain was bad luck. He always felt that rain was both refreshing and beautiful, although it would be a shame if everything got wet.
You couldn't cry. You couldn’t allow Osamu's special day to be ruined because the rain clouds covered the joyous day. You willed them away, hugged yourself tightly so the waterworks wouldn't spill. The sun had to shine today.
Osamu arrived at the magistrate's home just in time for Ae-ra to step out in her wedding dress. Ae-Ra was wearing a beautiful red hanbok decorated with auspicious embroidery. Her headdress was elaborate and stunning with even more intricate details on the hanging ribbons. A shy smile decorated her face, the apples of her cheeks each dotted with a red disc.
You couldn't bear it anymore and fled. You had to find a place where you couldn't see and couldn't hear. Somewhere to escape, but the sky was too expansive and all-seeing. It didn't matter where you ran off to, the celebrations of the wedding procession rang in your ears.
Then, you thought of a place where you could go. There was a place where the sun could shine and you could cry, after all. You vowed that after today, no more. You’ll put all your feelings aside. No more childish pining, no more tears.
“It’s a sunshower!” a child exclaimed, pointing at the sky.
Osamu felt a droplet so light and faint that when he went to touch his cheek it had dried already. Then he felt more and more of this light rain grazing his skin. He looked up at the sky, but saw no clouds. The sky was clear and the sun shone brightly. The others in the wedding procession also murmured their confusion. How could it possibly rain on a sunny day? Osamu felt another droplet on his nose, his brow, his lips. It wasn’t a rain to flood the lands or drench the clothes. He held a hand out, palms up to catch the rain. The quiet pitter-patter felt so sad and nostalgic. This rain seemed familiar like he had known it since birth and accompanied him all his life.
The Fox is getting married!
To whom you might ask?
To the Tiger, you see!
But what about the Cloud?
She saw that love was blossoming,
Felt her heart wither away.
The Cloud who loved the Fox?
Behind the sun—she sobbed.