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bookandcranny · 3 years

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Beatrice - Chapter Three

On a table in what she supposed was the dining room there was a floral centerpiece, dead and rotted. Freesias and baby’s breath were shriveled with blight and yet the dead petals remained frozen in place, refusing to fall. Gianna wondered if they’d somehow been preserved that way intentionally. She couldn’t imagine why, ugly as they were.

Soft footsteps padded across the tile behind her, and for a brief moment the anxiety resurfaced, seizing at her throat.

“Gianna?”

She took in a deep breath, letting floral sweetness flood her senses. “It’s me, Bea.”

Gianna was too stubborn to call out of work in the morning, but stubbornness only got her as far as until the gallery manager saw her flagging at her station and urged her to go home. The fumes from the conservators’ delicate chemistry could be dangerous on a good day if you weren’t careful, she reminded her, nevermind if you were already feeling sick. She wasn’t sick, just tired. At least that’s what she was telling herself. Still, she stopped by the drugstore just in case the faint nausea and light-headedness were indeed early signs of some bug.

On impulse, she also picked up some hair bleach and a box of dye. She hadn’t done anything new with her hair since before moving and her brown roots were starting to look more like branches. Normally this wouldn’t have bothered her except, well, for the first time in a long time there was someone she really wanted to look good for. If she was going to ask Beatrice out, first she needed to be in an attractive state of mind.

All her vanity was in vain however; by the time she’d arrived home whatever sickness had grabbed a hold of her was setting in in earnest, leaving Gianna feeling weak and off-kilter. With the last of her strength she managed to force down a couple painkillers along with a cold glass of water before collapsing into bed.

When she woke up from her addled fever-sleep her skin was clammy and cold. She wrapped the blanket around her shoulders and forced herself to sit up, squinting in the dark of her surroundings. Something had woken her. The sound of that finicky overhead light blowing out after she’d passed out with it still on. Somewhere in between the passing out and now, night had swept over the city, but as was its nature, faint fluorescent light still streamed in from the world outside her window. She hobbled over and pried it open.

Though the breeze made her shiver, it also brought with it the sweetness she’d come to recognize as the combined scents of the Rappaccinis’ garden. The familiar smell revitalized her somewhat. Actually, she felt remarkably improved after just a few short minutes of sitting by the window. Maybe all this was just chemical fumes messing with her head. She’d never had a problem with it before, but she’d been working longer hours lately. That combined with the recent stress, of course it would leave her feeling poorly, she thought.

Down in Casa di Rappaccini there were lights coming from every window and shadows moving before them. Gianna had never even entertained the idea of the family having company. Dr Rappaccini really didn’t seem like the kind of man to throw a house party in the middle of the week.

Gianna pushed up the screen and went to climb down to her usual spot. It was only when she was hovering with her hands on the railing and her blanket still slung around her shoulders like a cape that she realized just how bad an idea that was. She was liable to break her neck or worse trying to climb down in the dark with a fever, and Beatrice certainly wouldn’t be gardening at this time of night. She was probably inside, socializing and having fun, impressing their guests with her vast horticultural knowledge and reciting poetry in Latin or something. Though it might get her attention, lurking around outside her party on the fire escape was not the way to get a woman to like you.

She returned to her apartment and to her bed, pulling the pillow over her head as if to guard against any more bizarre dreams. After a time, she managed to drift back into uneasy sleep, while violet eyes kept a watch on her window from below.

In the morning Gianna roused to a concerned call from work, but her groggy reply was more than enough to secure her another sick day. She went back to sleep for another couple hours, woke, forced down some more pills and some leftover stir-fry, slept, and finally woke again feeling not quite recovered, but at least somewhat rested.

She staggered to the bathroom and washed her face. Her skin was oily to the touch and her eyes were bloodshot but otherwise she didn’t look too bad, she thought. Recalling the night before, she went to sit by the window and indeed the fresh air made her feel worlds better. Whatever it was that was slogging through her system, she reasoned, couldn’t be too bad. Probably just some twenty-four hour flu or something.

As she leaned her head out the window she caught sight of Beatrice working in her garden as usual and she was out and shimmying down the ladder before she could remember her decision not to.

“Hey,” she called, her voice still slightly rasped with sleep.

Beatrice looked up and beamed at her, although her smile faltered slightly to see the loose curls plastered to her brow.

“How are you feeling?”

“Oh, is it that obvious?” she huffed, trying to pinch some life back into her cheeks. “I’ll be alright, just a fever or something.”

“That’s why you weren’t here yesterday. I looked for you.”

Something in Gianna’s gut twisted hotly. “You missed me?”

“Of course I did.”

It was a much more frank answer than she’d expected, and Gianna felt herself blush. No need to worry about her color after all.

“I was worried, I guess. You were acting sort of strange the day before. I thought I might’ve done something wrong.”

“No way,” she assured. Wow, I really am that obvious. “I was just sleeping this thing off most of the afternoon. I sorta thought you’d be too busy to notice, with the party you were having.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “My father was having one of his dinner socials. I couldn’t have gotten away for long either way but believe me, I would pick you over any one of his colleagues in a heartbeat.”

Gianna raised her eyebrows. “Isn’t that kind of thing hard on him? With his health, I mean.”

“He hires people for all the preparations and cleaning up after. Father can’t get out very much because of his condition, so this is how he… connects, I think. Otherwise he wouldn’t talk to anyone at all.”

“We all need to connect I guess.”

She nodded, looking away again. “He has his colleagues bring people for me too. Sons or nephews, you know. Boys he thinks would make a good match for me.”

“Oh. That’s… oh.”

“It’s sort of old fashioned, I know. I don’t really-- I don’t like any of them that way. You’re right though, we all need to connect. I used to think I didn’t need anyone else, but lately…”

Cautiously she met her gaze. Her brows were knit together like she was trying to piece together some puzzle in her mind. Gianna thought she should say something, offer some reassurance, but the image of Dr Rappaccini and his equally decrepit associates presenting her with an array of their eligible legacy offspring turned her stomach so sourly that she had to bite her tongue to keep from spewing something venomous.

Luckily or not, before either of them could speak there came a call from within the house.

“Beatrice, come here, girl!”

Gianna bristled but the young woman only turned and said sweetly, “Coming, Father!” She gave Gianna an apologetic glance and then added in a low voice, “There’s something important I want to talk to you about, but I don’t think I can do it here. Come over tomorrow?”

“You mean… like, in person?”

“Yes! Tomorrow my father is going to be out of the house from two to four o’clock. That doesn’t give us long but it’s the only time I can do it.”

Do what, she wanted to ask, bewildered and enticed all at once.

“Are you sure you don’t want to just get coffee somewhere?”

“The code for the door is 5214. Meet me here. I promise it’ll be worth your time.” She fidgeted her hands together. Her eyelashes fluttered. “Maybe I can even show you around the garden.”

Something about the way she said that made Gianna suppress a shiver.

“Of course I’ll be there,” she said. She hated to miss more work than she already had, but she doubted they would suspect anything. Even now her fingers trembled and some of that clamminess was returned to her skin, but oddly enough, she was feeling better than she had all week.

-----

The name placard next to the buzzer read G. Rappaccini. It didn’t sit right with Gianna, the conspicuous absence of the apartment’s other occupant.

Even though she knew she was expected, she felt compelled to announce herself. She pressed the buzzer and after a moment a quiet voice came through the intercom.

“Hello?”

“It’s me,” she said.

“Oh.”

She frowned. “Is that still okay?”

Beatrice let out a sigh. It sounded thin and tinny through the crackle of the speaker.

“Yeah, of course, come on up. Do you remember the code?”

Gianna punched in the numbers and made her way to the apartment. At least this complex had an elevator, saving her the strain of the climb. She was feeling less shaky but at the expense of her appetite which had vanished and made her wary of taking on too much additional strain. Her heart was pounding as it was, watching the floor numbers slowly tick by and thinking about how soon the two of them would be in the same room for the first time.

Beatrice had never been too eager to meet up with Gianna outside their customary rendezvous, which Gianna had always attributed to her not wanting to leave her father alone for too long. She’d never analyzed her motivations too closely because doing so would mean having to take a serious look at her own.

The truth was, Gianna was scared. This thing she had with Beatrice was different than any relationship she’d had before, for reasons she couldn’t confidently place, and she was afraid that somehow breaking out of the pattern they’d established between them would change things, would tarnish the magic of it somehow.

Too close now to turn back, she stepped into the apartment. Right away the high ceilings and lavish spaciousness inspired a pang of envy. The furniture was antique, yet in pristine condition, everything so clean and crisp that it looked like something out of a catalogue. Not exactly homey. There were several signs of life however: books piled up on an end table in the living room, dishes drying in a rack by the kitchen sink, a stack of empty boxes piled up next to the garbage can.

There was no TV or telephone, though she supposed that wasn’t so uncommon anymore. But paired with the furniture and the sterile environment it gave Gianna the feeling of being cut off from the modern world entirely. The very idea was stifling to her.

Soft footsteps padded across the tile behind her, and for a brief moment the anxiety resurfaced, seizing at her throat.

“Gianna?”

She took in a deep breath, letting floral sweetness flood her senses. “It’s me, Bea.”

Beatrice looked different. Most notably because she was wearing canvas coveralls that seemed to be too big for her, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows to make room for a thick pair of gloves. For all the times she’d watched her working in her garden, Gianna had never seen Beatrice actually dress like a gardener. It made her feel a little silly for dressing up herself. She’d, perhaps optimistically, assumed that the first time they met face to face without the span of the alleyway between them would be a special occasion worth dressing up for. Maybe Beatrice didn’t see it that way.

“Are you still feeling sick?” Beatrice asked. “You don’t look so good.”

Gianna forced a grin. “Don’t worry about that. I’m just happy to be here.”

“Here, sit,” she beckoned. “I wasn’t even thinking. I’ll make you some tea.”

“That’s okay, really. I’m not much of a tea person.”

“You’ll like this tea, trust me.”

Gianna found she didn’t have the energy to protest and soon she was sitting in the kitchen holding a steaming mug. It was far from her drink of choice, especially in the summer months, but she gave in and took a sip for politeness’ sake.

It was good. More than good, it was delicious! As soon as it was cooled enough she drained half the cup in one go. Almost as soon as she had, she found herself feeling better. Her headache was gone and nausea abated. In fact, she was starting to feel hungry.

“Good, right?” Beatrice smirked. As if she had read her mind, she fished out a box of cookies from the cupboard and slid them across the counter to her. “It’s a family recipe, made with herbs from the garden. Everything that grows there is medicinal. You just have to know how to handle them.”

“That’s incredible,” she said between bites. Now that her appetite was finally back it seemed to be making up for lost time.

Beatrice flustered prettily. “It’s not hard when you get to know the plants like I have. The garden was my father’s before it was mine, we grew up together.”

“So the flowers are kind of like your siblings,” Gianna joked.

She beamed. “Exactly like that. Drink your tea. You have to drink all of it for it to really work.”

Gianna did so.

“I know I didn’t say it before,” Beatrice murmured. “But I’m really glad you’re here too. To see you, really really see you, I can’t… there aren’t words, Gianna. It probably sounds crazy but sometimes, when I couldn’t see you, when I couldn’t speak to you, I started to worry you’d disappeared and I would never find you again. Sometimes I even worried you were never real at all. That’s why I… I was afraid to invite you over here. I was afraid to break the illusion, to lose you.”

She stared, speechless, her mouth gone dry.

“I know how that sounds, I just-- for so long my world has revolved around taking care of father. I didn’t think I could have this, didn’t think I’d even want this. Not as much as I do, at least.”

“Beatrice,” she whispered breathlessly. “I know how you feel.” She reached across the countertop to touch her gloved hand. “I know what it’s like to want something and feel like you shouldn’t. I know what it feels like to be stuck in the shadow of parents who don’t understand you. I promise, you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone.”

The girl made a wounded noise, half gasp and half whimper, and clamped a hand over her face. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what--”

“It’s okay.” She threaded their fingers together. “It’s okay.”

Beatrice shook her head. “Gianna, I have to tell you something. Something important. Before we get in too deep or you hear it from someone else, I want you to hear it from me. I’m not normal.”

“I know, you’re not like anyone I’ve ever met.”

“No!” she cried, frustrated. “I’m not--”

The door creaked open and she spun around, pulling her hand away. Standing in the doorway was the hunched form of Dr Giacoma Rappaccini himself.

“Ah, good,” came the rasping voice of the elderly doctor. “You made the tea. I trust you’re feeling better now, Ms Alexander.”

Gianna tensed, unsure of how to respond.

“Father, you’re home early!” Beatrice chirped with false cheer. “I’ll make you a cup too then.”

“No need,” he said with a dismissive wave of his leathered hand. He set down his bag and shut the door behind him. “I had some this morning, remember? Ah, you might’ve been out in the garden then. You have been busy today.”

She shrunk back under the weight of his stare.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, sir,” Gianna said stiffly with a hand outstretched. “I’m--”

“I know who you are.” His laugh was the sound of dry reeds in a breeze. “Gianna Alexander. I’ve been keeping an eye on you ever since you started to show an interest in my daughter. I was curious to see how things might progress between you two, but considering the circumstances I decided it might be time to intervene.”

“Father--”

“Beatrice,” he reproached. “Going behind my back? Making secret meetings? You know better than that. Apologize to our guest.”

After only a moment’s hesitation she turned to Gianna and said, “I’m so sorry, Ms Alexander.”

Gianna balked. “What? You don’t have anything to apologize for.”

“I’m afraid that’s where you’re mistaken,” said Dr Rappaccini. “You see, there are proper steps to be taken in situations like this. My daughter should’ve spoken with me so I could arrange a proper interview. We could’ve had dinner. It would’ve been so nice.

“Instead, I had to find out what you were doing and pretend to leave my own home unawares just to get us all in a room together. I’m getting too old to play these games with you, Beatrice. It’s disrespectful to me and it’s disrespectful to our guest.”

“I’m sorry, Father.” Her voice had become empty, almost robotic, and she cast her eyes to the ground. Gianna felt a dawning sense of dread at the sight.

“Now then,” The old man pulled up a chair and sat with his hands folded over his lap. “Shall we get down to business? Beatrice, as you know, is a very special girl. In fact she’s the product of years and millions of dollars of research.

“I’ve dedicated my life to studying the medicinal properties of plants and cross-breeding exotic species to develop into natural pharmaceuticals. Eventually I realized that no amount of remedies I could create in my lifetime would be enough to fix every inherent flaw of humanity, so I shifted my focus. Instead of searching for the perfect cure, I decided to create the perfect human being, one immune to mankind’s deficiencies. From my experience with altering and combining the genetic structures of various plants, I crafted a new, superior breed of human. Beatrice is the product of those tireless efforts.”

Gianna’s head was swimming. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Dr Rappaccini smiled ruefully. “I’ve long accepted that I likely won’t live to see my quest come to fruition. It took trial upon trial just to bring Beatrice into the world, and she’s only the first step. More accurately, the first generation.”

He put his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Someday, my Beatrice will be the mother to a brand new species, a new humanity. With their drastically increased lifespans, immunity to disease and disorder of the body and mind, and overall genealogical superiority, my creations will rapidly become the dominant species on earth, replacing the feeble excuse for intelligent life that exists now. And, well, with all that revealed, it’s obvious why I couldn’t let this little game of yours continue, isn’t it?”

He looked at Beatrice with an expression that was as a mockery of compassion.

“Socialization is fine, even healthy. I don’t blame you for that. It’s my own fault really, for not providing you with more enrichment and opportunities for companionship here at home. I’ll be more mindful of that going forward. In fact, if you want to continue these little play-dates I am in full support, as long as they’re supervised from here on out. Not for a while though, of course. That’s just what happens when you break the rules, my girl.”

Gianna stood up, slamming her hands down on the counter. “Are you completely insane? This is a person, your daughter, not a pure-bred show poodle!”

Dr Rappaccini spoke to her calmly, a faint amusement in his wrinkled features. “I don’t blame you for your anger, Ms Alexander, because I know it stems from ignorance. Beatrice is special but she also has a volatile, toxic nature the likes of which you can’t comprehend. She needs a guiding hand to help her control herself and make the right choice. Isn’t that right, Beatrice.”

“Yes, Father.”

Gianna stared at her friend in horrified awe. “Beatrice, you can’t possibly be okay with this.”

She didn’t move, she didn’t speak. She gave no indication she’d even heard her. It was as if she had been hollowed out, only the fragile husk of her remaining.

“You can throw as big a fit as you want,” Dr Rappaccini said snidely. “But as long as you are a guest in my home I have to insist you abide by my rules.”

Gianna glowered. She spared one last furtive glance towards Beatrice. Her chest ached. “Then I guess I’m leaving.”

next chapter

#writeblr #original fiction #horror romance #gothic #lgbt #rappaccini's daughter #my writing

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starscheme · 4 years

Text

Only You

Chapter Twenty: Whites Unwelcome Solution

Steven left his mothers room to find Lars standing in the middle of the disheveled living room.

"...you guys should think about cleaning..." Suggested Lars, trying to make light of the situation to start with. Steven hadn't really been himself for a while.

"Been busy," stated Steven evenly.

Lars took that short reply as a sign that Steven wasn't yet in the mood for jokes. "So, where is Sodalite?"

"Probably with Garnet. She's not allowed to leave the house alone."

Lars bristled a bit, "allowed?" He repeated. "...Steven...just because she agreed to help doesn't mean you can order her around."

"She's the only real weapon we have against that thing," replied Steven irately, "and she doesn't exactly fight well on her own. So Garnet needs to be with her if she leaves the house."

Lars sighed. He didn't like the way Steven was going about this, but at least Sodalite was being kept safe. However he could only imagine how scared she was right now. "Okay, yeah, I get it. Let's just contact Garnet. I promised Sodalite that I'd spend some time with her after the bakery closed."

Before Steven could answer, the warp activated and in a stream of light, Garnet appeared, carrying a limp, sickly looking Sodalite by the waist with an annoyed Amethyst beside them.

"Sodalite? What's wrong with her?" Asked Lars in alarm. The fusion was holding her like a sack and Sodalite looked as if she might throw up, her dizzy eyes flooding with tears. Each Gem was covered in dirt and they had small tears in their clothes which revealed tiny scratches on their bodies.

Amethyst appeared rather run down and annoyed, even Garnet looked as if she could use a break. Clearly their outing with Sodalite had been a bit vexing for them. "She panicked when we got too high and then screamed all the way down the cliff clinging to Garnet before everything went dark. When I could finally see again, we were all in different locations and it took forever to find her because she was clinging to the top of a tall tree and wouldn't jump down!"

"...to be fair, you cutting down the tree didn't help much," added Garnet.

"Yeah..." agreed Amethyst with an annoyed sigh. "Especially since all she did was scream all the way down and then everything went dark again. It's really starting to mess with my eyes."

"But did you find anything?" Asked Steven, uninterested in what caused their appearance.

Garnet shook her head and Steven felt his stomach drop. He said nothing and placed his hand over his heart where the locket was hidden beneath his shirt.

"But I'm sure we'll find something tomorrow!" Amethyst insisted with a forced smile. "We just need to cover more ground!"

Sodalite finally looked up, ready to apologize for not having any positive results for her Diamond, but when she spotted an irritated Lars beside him, she instead began to squirm in Garnets grip.

Garnet dropped the freckled Gem who face planted on the warp pad with an 'oomph.'

"H-hey, careful!" Lars groaned anxiously.

However, the fall didn't seem to bother Sodalite. She quickly scrambled to her feet and leapt at Lars in tears. "Lars, Lars! It-it was horrible! That Amethyst is-is out of control!"

Lars was nearly pushed down when Sodalite ran to hug him, but he steadily kept his balance and pat her head. "It's okay. You're fine now."

"Hey! I'm not out of control," argued Amethyst. "She's the one that just kept crying in that tree. What was I supposed to do? Just wait until she finished crying?! She cries all the time! We'd have been there all night!"

Sodalite spun herself to hide behind Lars' back, gripping at his jacket as she peeked over his shoulder. "...see?" Sodalite whimpered.

"We're all just a little impatient right now..." said Garnet, reaching over to place her hand at the top of Amethysts head to calm her. "Things will go better tomorrow."

"I want to go out there! I'm sick of sitting here and waiting!" Steven shouted with tears in his eyes.

"...Steven, we've been over this. It's not safe. Spinel wouldn't want to use you as bait." Garnet explained.

Sodalite whimpered once again and hid her face in Lars back, her hands trembling as she held tight to his jacket. Lars took this as a sign that things were about to get much worse. A gut feeling that was quickly confirmed when Steven turned pink and the house began to shake.

"What Spinel wanted?!" Steven repeated in a tearful rage. "Stop trying to speak for her! That thing made it clear that it wants ME! The best way to draw it out is for me to go-"

Suddenly, Pearl burst in through the front door in a panic. At first they thought she had seen the house shaking, but she didn't seemed concerned about that as she rushed inside. "Steven! The Diamonds, they're all here! They're landing right now! I thought you only asked for Yellows soldiers."

His pink glow slowly dimmed and Steven looked confused. "I did..." he answered, wondering why all of them would show up.

"Th-the Diamonds...? E-even...even Bl-Blue?" Asked Sodalite, frozen in fear. Blue was the one that made her and also the one that ordered her shattering. What would Blue Diamond do if she saw that she was still in one piece?

"You don't have to meet her," Lars said quickly. "Just stay in the house with me."

Steven was clearly agitated with the Diamonds arrival and honestly, seeing Sodalite and Lars was not helping his mood. Anything that resembled a couple annoyed him right now. Without waiting for anyone's opinions, Steven stomped out of the house to go and see just what they had all decided to gather here for.

The Diamonds were being lowered by a platform when Steven walked onto the beach, followed by the Crystal Gems.

"Steven!" White Diamond greeted with her usual delighted smile, always seemingly obtuse to his agitation. "It's been so long!"

"...what do you guys want?" He asked bluntly. Not in the mood to deal with them all at once. At least with Yellow it was straight to the point.

"Well, I brought the troops as we discussed, Steven," announced Yellow proudly, "but they insisted on coming along."

"Because it's not just Yellow that can help you," insisted Blue with an eager and hopeful smile as she leaned down a bit. "I have plenty of Gems that can help you too. Surely, my Gem would be better suited to searching for this strange creature of yours."

"He doesn't need your Gems when he can use mine," argued Yellow in a huff. "My Gems are precise and officiant. Why, if my troops had been deployed from the start we would have already found the thing."

"You're both going about this all wrong," interjected White, pushing her way between the other two Diamonds to get on her knees in front of Steven and his family. "Steven, I came because I thought of something that will definitely make you feel all better!" White seemed rather pleased with herself as she opened her hand and held it to Stevens eye level. Standing in the middle of her palm was a cute, noodle limbed, pink Spinel. Her Gem was cut in the shape of a heart and was displayed at the top of her right, gloved hand. She was in a pink and white overalled dress with large pink, Mary Jane shoes that squeaked when she walked, her curled heart pigtails bouncing with each step.

"I'm so excited to meet you!" The Spinel chirped out happily, hopping from Whites hand to greet Steven on the sand.

Pearl quickly clapped her hand over her mouth to muffle the sob that threatened to spill out. They had only just lost Spinel and this one very much reminded Pearl of how she used to be. As Pearl turned away from the Spinel, Garnet stepped forward with clenched fists.

"You can't just replace someone that's precious!" Demanded the fusion angrily.

"What? But of course you can replace a Gem," replied White with a straight face. "All Spinels are made for entertainment. Pink adored hers and since Steven was so upset that his got broken, I made him a new one. Now he won't have to be lonely."

Steven couldn't believe what was happening. For several minutes now, he'd been silent, simply staring down at this new Spinel in disbelief. Had White really come here thinking this Gem could simply take Spinels place?

"Oh no..." Lars mumbled, staring down at the awkward scene from the beach house window, Sodalite still hiding behind his back.

"So Steven, what do you think? She isn't exactly like the old one, but if she had never broken, she would have looked like this the whole time," explained White happily.

Garnet was practically trembling in anger. That White Diamond would dare to try something like this was proof of how little she still cared for individual life. "You—!"

Though Garnet was prepared to tell White off, she and the other Gems were distracted when Steven began to laugh. A bitter, angry, empty laugh.

Pearl wiped her eyes and turned back to Steven in concern, "Steven..."

"You...you really think...I'd be happy with this?" Growled Steven through gritted teeth now, making it a point not to look at the Diamonds.

White seemed confused as she lowered herself further to get a closer look at Stevens expression. "You're not? I thought you wanted a Spinel to replace—"

"YOU CAN'T REPLACE HER! NO ONE CAN!" Steven screamed, lifting his head to reveal the river of tears flowing down his cheeks. His body turned pink instantly and his eyes nearly glowed as a shockwave was formed from his voice, pushing the Diamonds back slightly. Yellow and Blue were immediately concerned at Stevens very 'Pink' like outburst, but White only frowned, almost offended that he had so harshly rejected her gift.

"Spinels are rather rare to make you know," replied White, "but I guess if you really don't like her, I can make you a different Gem as a playmate. Oh! Perhaps something-"

"Spinel wasn't a 'playmate.' She was...she's my best friend..." seethed Steven.

"Well of course, that's what Spinels are made for." White Diamond shrugged, still confused. She honestly didn't see the difference between this Spinel and the old one besides that this one wasn't broken.

Blue stepped forward and shook her head, "White...perhaps you shouldn't press the issue so much..."

Steven hates feeling this way. He hated feeling so much anger towards someone. How dare she come here and mock his feelings for Spinel as if they meant nothing at all. As if another Spinel could step in and Steven would just fall in line like his love never existed or was so easily broken.

"Don't be sad," pleaded the new Spinel with a smile as she reached for him.

"DONT TOUCH ME!" Steven demanded in disgust. His voice booming once again, this time causing the Spinels Gem to crack from the pressure of the sound.

At once, Steven gasped, staring wide eyed at the innocent Gem, now trying to maintain her form. He cracked her. Hurt her. None of this was her fault. If anyone deserved it, he'd have preferred White be the one to suffer.

"Arrrgh!" Steven groaned, closing his eyes tight. These hateful thoughts that plagued him only seemed to be getting worse. Spinel was gone...and he was just angry that the world had to keep turning as if she was never here. He knew it didn't make sense to be spiteful of everyone, but it wasn't fair that she was gone. Why did it have to be Spinel? "It's my fault! I'm sorry!" Shouted Steven as broken pieces of his own shield began to form around him.

It's true. Steven knew it. If anyone was to blame for all this. It was him. That creature picked Spinel because of him. It chose her because he loved her. Pearl was right, they never should have tried to be together. He never should have realized how he felt. If anything, he should have kept his feelings locked away. At least then Spinel would still be here with him. Even if he could never be with her as a lover, he just wanted her back. His love for her had only caused her pain. How was he supposed to live with himself knowing that?

The ground was turning into a crater beneath his feet and though everyone was inclined to help him, they were held up in doing so when everything went pitch black around them.

Steven flinched at the sudden blanket of darkness. His heart was beating so fast, it was now the only sound to fill the void.

"So-Sodalite?" He began, sure that this was her doing.

Though he couldn't see anything, he felt a small, trembling hand push against his chest, pressing firmly over his heart.

"I-I'm sorry..." wept Sodalite, slowly taking in all the terrible feelings that Steven had raging inside of him. All that pain was now hers for the moment and it hurt so much. The mere pressure of it threatened to weigh her down. "This is-it's all I can do..."

Steven's heart rate began to even out and his tears finally stopped. Sodalite's purification didn't exactly make him feel better, just numb, but it was still better than the agony from before. "...thanks..."

Sodalite was happy to be of use, but it was hard to smile through the pain that she took from Steven. His empathic abilities surely didn't help when he was feeling like this. She kept her hand to his chest even after it was done, just to make sure he didn't fly off the handle once again. However, perhaps it was because she was close to Steven, or the fact that she was touching him, Sodalite felt something familiar.

"Spinel?" Sodalite questioned aloud.

"What?" Asked Steven before the darkness lifted and he was suddenly standing back on the beach with Sodalite nowhere to be found.

#Only You #steven universe #steven universe fanfic #stevinel #stevinel fanfic #the diamonds #garnet #amethyst #lars #Sodalite #chapter 20

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pretentious-alek · 3 years

Text

Drowing on Dreams - Chapter 2

The pulled up to the poor boy’s house. You could hear the laughter of children and the annoyance of a mother telling them to. “Play quieter!”

Gary sighed and reluctantly said, “Who wants to tell them.”

He just stayed silent as he made his way out of the car. Gary who knew him well enough to read what he meant when he left, followed him.

“Together then.” Gary muttered.

They came upon a father and mother talking conspicuously. “He’s been gone for too long!” The mother frantically shouted.

The father, hoping for the best comforted her, whispering. “He couldn’t have gotten far. I’m sure he’s just playing with some friends.”

Gary cleared his throat.

When they saw them, the parents both crumpled like paper.

The mother dropped to her knees. Weeping heavily, wailed. “My boy, my boy.”

The father’s eyes were glazed and not here. He barely registered the distressed mother.

Gary knelt next to the mother and started rubbing her shoulders comfortingly. The mother grabbed his collar and almost yelled. “Who did this.”

Gary spoked clearly, “We don’t know.”

“Then…” The woman swallowed a sob. “Then how.”

Gary turned to face her and asked, “Are you sure you want to know?”

“Yes.” The mother said, an unwavering type of strongness hidden under her.

“Drowning.” Gary and said, the mother opened her mouth in confusion, but was cut off.

The father still staring off into space whispered. “I see death every day, you know? From the killing of cattle to dogs getting baited, but I never-. I never thought that could feel this helpless and responsible in the face of it.”

That silenced all of them.

Suddenly a little girl came in. She was wearing pigtails and clutching a little kangaroo with boxing gloves in one hand and a toy car in another. “When is Max coming home? I found his favourite toy, so he doesn’t need to be so upset anymore!”

The girl beamed. Looking at her parents expectantly; looking for praise.

The father was shaking from trying to keep tears flowing down his face, but still he knelt down and said, “Hey Jessica. Why don’t you go play with your little sister for ten minutes and then both of you go to bed, huh?”

The little girl pouted and cried, “but it’s only six! Please dad.”

“Do it for mommy, ok sweetheart.” The mother croaked.

The little girl eyed them and decided the argument was not worth it.

The man was watching all of this in silence, he had not moved an inch since he got here.

Finally, he opened his mouth to utter a promise. “I don’t do this lightly, but I promise you, I will find out who did this and make sure they get what they deserve.”

The mother got up and stood next to her husband. She nodded, “then what are you doing here! Go figure out who did this to my boy.”

She was stronger than most would have given her credit for- with her casual clothes and tied up hair.

The dad, still trying to contain tears, just nodded.

The man walked over and helped his partner up and respectfully left.

He left with a hushed whisper.

“I am sorry for your loss.”

He took a breath starring out. The heat of the car consumed him like a gaseous poison. He welcomed the uncomfortable feeling that the heat brought with it. He nestled into his seat, which was a mistake. The car seat almost as hot as steel.

Vibrations echoed within the car; Gary pointed it out. “Looks like your phone is ringing, mate.”

“No shit sherlock.” The man said a small amount of humour in his tone. A smile tugged at his lips, but the urge was ultimately tamed with a flash of blue coming from within his mind’s eye. The same blue of Max’s corpse.

He answered.

“Hey. You might want to come back to the station.” Emily said. Emily was their secretary; her job was mostly helping them organize files, take tips, organize searches and, in this case, notify them if anything of interest happened around the area.

“Okay on my way.” He replied, ending the call.

He put his car into gear and speed down the road that looked almost like a sea of pavement absorbing the heat.

When he finally arrived, he was confused to see Emily, usually unflappable and logical biting her nails anxiously.

“Everything okay?” He asked, he knew Emily- while logical got a bit upset when it came to deaths, especially children.

“It doesn’t make any sense.” Emily muttered, more to herself than to him.

“What doesn’t make sense Emily?” He asked.

He waited a couple minutes, and she did not answer. Just kept biting her nails. Biting. And biting.

He grabbed her arm to stop her. He looked right into her eyes and repeated himself, “What doesn’t make sense Emily?”

“The records.”

“What do they say.”

“There have been other murders, with similar dumping style, but not always drowning- some from poison, overdoses, burning, stabbing. All dating decades back. Over 40 years.”

“Okay…” He drawled, hoping that she would add more information.

“And not just children- adults and teenagers too. It seemed that they targeted just teenagers for a long time and all of sudden they were killing adults and children at well and then that’s when the Modus Operadi gets shaky, but they were all dumped in areas freakishly like where you found that little boy.” She was ranting now. And she would not stop until he interfered, he also had a question that was nagging him like a mosquito bite.

“How did we not know about this before?” He asked.

“Apparently, before they launched an investigation heavily under wraps- to keep that crowd from panicking, but there was no good evidence as most of the people that stumbled upon the body assumed, they just fainted; it never occurred to them that the person could have been dead as they didn’t show any signs of dehydration. They ended up contaminating the evidence so badly that they could not do much about it., especially then.”

Our perp must be old then around forties and fifty’s, he thought looking at the file that Emily had put together which was impressive considering the short notice, but Emily had always been very organised.

“Okay, okay. So that means he should be easy to find, right? We have an age; all we now is the time of death. This is a small town we should be able to eliminate suspects easily when we figure that out.” Gary said.

Which made the man jump- he had completely forgot about Gary who had been sitting next to him in the drab police office all this time. He must have followed him from the car.

The man nodded and set down the case file. “We need to wait for the autopsy, though, before we start any eliminations.”

Emily nodded, adding into the conversation. “Steve said he would have the time of death down by tomorrow morning, as he is booked patient-wise for most of the arvo.”

So, all he could do would be to get some shut eye so he could focus all his energy on this case tomorrow.

Gary and Emily had seemed to come to the same conclusion.

“I’ll call you if anything happens.” Emily said. “So, go home and get some proper sleep, boys.”

Gary beamed. “Thanks, Em’.”

He nodded returning the sentiment, he turned and left.

Gary got into his own car and drove off, the steady bump, bump, bump of his broken motor announced his leaving. Before he was just out of earshot the man called. “Say hi to the kids for me, will you?”

Gary stuck his hand out to indicate that he would and continued to road down to where his wife and kids where probably having dinner.

He got into his own car, knowing he was going to be greeted with a quiet, lifeless house.

---

The next day he got the phone call that he needed to finally bring that boy’s family peace.

Ring-g! Ring! Ring-g!

He picked it up and clicked ‘Answer’.

“There’s another body.”

It felt like a punch in the gut he asked, breathless. “Who?”

“Emily.” Gary said, choking back sobs.

He came out from the city for a better life. A quiet life. He never thought that his friend would die, and he would be all too powerless to stop it. “How?”

Now he sounded like Max’s mother, asking desperate questions like that would bring him peace.

“Burned alive.”

Fresh tears, creating two streams all too similar to those that happened years ago. He touched his face, surprised at the sight of them What a sight that would have been; a grown man surprised that he was crying.

He felt just like a kid again, powerless, weak, gullible. Broken.

He kept on flashing back and forwards. Present to past to present to past.

Then suddenly all was clear, a blade of anger sliced through lasting wounds.

He was going to catch this bastard- if it were the last thing that he would do. If it broke him.

“Okay.” And he would be okay- once he caught him.

“Just to let you know, mate, the journos are here.”

The clock was ticking. He forced an expression of grim seriousness.

His game face, he thought with a bit of humour.

“I’ll be there soon.”

---

#short story #original writing #original content #oc #australia #young writer #weekly update #murder #cop

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i-am-a-closet-fanfic-fiend · 5 years

Text

Sexiled (Part 11/23) ~ Steve Rogers x Reader College!AU

A/N: Hi my lovelies! I hope that all of you who are celebrating holidays this time of year are enjoying your festivities. And if you’re not, I hope you are still enjoying this season. So I wasn’t planning on posting another part so soon, but this one spoke to me and I had to share it. So I hope you enjoy.

Summary: A serious conversation between you and Steve. Are things about to change?

Characters/Pairings: Steve x reader, Bucky

Rating: T

Warnings: Serious talks about intimacy, maybe some language

Word count: 1699

Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist

After lunch the guys decided to go play basketball, and you used the time to clean up your room which had fallen into complete disarray during the last two weeks of midterms. You also opted for a long hot shower – well, as hot as crappy dorm showers got – to relax and ponder over what you and Bucky had discussed.

You knew he was right, and you knew that after last night, you couldn’t just push off the conversation. Mainly because you didn’t want to. You wanted to cross that line with Steve, but you weren’t sure how.

You dressed in your comfiest pajamas and Steve’s hoodie and made your way to his room with a box of popcorn since he had run out the night before. Bucky was waiting for the elevator when you stepped out of the stairway.

“Hey, doll.”

“Hey, Buck. You headed out?”

“Yeah, the black box theater is showing horror movies all night. I’m going to head down there with Sam and Riley.”

“Oh that sounds fun.”

“Wanna come?” he asked with a smirk, knowing you hated horror movies.

“Hard pass. I kind of like sleeping without nightmares.”

“I’m sure Steve would chase the bad dreams away,” he teased.

Your only response was to stick your tongue out at him, making him chuckle.

“On a more serious note, I won’t be back until tomorrow, so if you want to have any important conversations, I promise not to interrupt.”

“We’ll see if I have the guts for that particular conversation.”

He opened his arms for a hug and you went to him gratefully.

“Be brave, doll. It will be worth it,” he whispered as he held you tight.

“Thank you, Bucky.”

“Any time. Have a good night.”

“You too.”

He squeezed your fingers before nudging down the hall towards his room. He gave you one last encouraging smile before you knocked on the door.

Steve answered as he pulled on a shirt, hair still wet from his shower; he lit up when he saw you.

“Hey, sweetness,” he greeted you with a kiss on the cheek as he ushered you inside.

“How was basketball?”

“It was fun. It’s been a while since we played. Sam and Riley kicked our asses. Don’t tell them I said that though.”

“My lips are sealed,” you promised.

“What did you do today?”

“Cleaned up my room. It had gotten really bad. And since you kept my busy actually studying I didn’t procrastinate by cleaning.”

“I’m sorry?”

You waved away his tentative apology.

“No need to be. It’s a good thing.”

“Good. You’re welcome then,” he announced smugly, and you smacked his arm. “Ouch. Now what movie do you want to start with?”

“Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire!” you cheered immediately.

“You’ve got it, sweetness.”

He put the movie on and turned out the lights, making sure to lock the door handle and the chain.

“Buck’s not coming back tonight,” he explained when he noticed you leaning over the edge of the bed watching him. “And I don’t plan on leaving that bed unless it’s for a very good reason.”

“I approve of that reasoning.”

“Thought you might. So do you need anything before I come up there?”

“Just you,” you told him honestly as you moved to make room for him.

“I’m all yours,” he grinned as he crawled into bed behind you, stretching his legs out on either side of you and holding you close. “Comfy?”

“Perfect.”

You both kept up a steady stream of commentary throughout the movie, giggling as you pointed out flaws.

“You know if they had both just gotten on the coffin, then the plan probably would have worked,” Steve huffed at one point.

“Maybe they were concerned it would sink if they both got on it.”

“Like Jack and Rose from the Titanic?”

“You’ve seen Titanic?” You glanced back at him, surprised.

“Becca made us watch it with her. She was in loooove with Leonardo DiCaprio.”

“Who wasn’t?” You laughed.

Steve scoffed and you rolled your eyes at his obvious annoyance.

“Teen Leo was a heartthrob. It’s a verifiable fact.”

“Anyways. Yes, I’ve seen it. And I still think Jack could have lived if they had both been on the stupid plank.”

“I feel like they tested that on Mythbusters, but I have no idea if it was true or not.”

“Regardless. I think it was dumb to have her hide in the bushes like he wasn’t going to find her. He’s a vampire.”

“Agreed. But to be fair, he’s like 13 so higher reasoning isn’t quite so developed.”

“True.”

“Now shush. They’re having the sass off. It’s my favorite part.”

He grumbled slightly but quieted, content to rest his chin on your shoulder and pull you even closer.

“When I was little, I thought Budapest was a type of seasoning,” you admitted when the movie ended.

“How did you get that?” He laughed pausing the movie so you could both stretch.

“Well when he says ‘I should have finished you in Budapest’. I thought… I mean… he was going to bite him. I thought Budapest was a way to make him tastier before he did.”

“Oh, and how would one finish you off in Budapest?”

“I don’t know. Feed me cookies so my blood is sweeter,” you teased pointedly.

He kissed your shoulder, “Hmm, but you’re already so sweet.”

Steve continued kissing from your shoulder over to your neck and instinctively you leaned your head back to give him better access.

“Whatcha doin’, Stevie?” you giggled nervously as he found your pulse point.

“Havin’ a taste,” he hummed, and you could hear that he wasn’t really paying attention to the question.

Part of you wanted to stop him – to talk things through first, but the other part was begging for him to keep going.

“Steve!” you gasped out as he nipped at your earlobe.

The note of hysteria seemed to snap him out of a haze.

“Oh my god, y/n, I’m so sorry. I got carried away.”

He tried to scramble away and give you both some space but that was difficult considering you were sitting in his lap, tangled in his arms.

“I can’t believe I did that. I’m so sorry. I crossed a line. Please forgive me,” he rambled.

“Steve,” you whispered as you turned, remaining between his legs but now you could face him. “Breathe, love.”

He followed your instructions, calming himself down, but you could still see the panic in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry, y/n.”

“Please stop apologizing. I was thoroughly enjoying myself.”

A momentary smirk flitted across his features.

“But this is new territory for us,” you continued. “I know we’ve been physically affectionate since we met, but…”

“This is different,” he finished with a serious expression. “I agree.”

“So what are we doing here?” You sounded helpless.

“I don’t know.” You frowned, but he continued before you could get too disappointed. “But I’ll tell you what I do know. I love you, y/n. And I love the relationship we have. I don’t really know how to put into words what that is, because I’ve never felt this way about anyone else, but I would never ever do anything to jeopardize that.”

You smiled as he ran a thumb over your cheek.

“I wouldn’t either. But I need to know what we are before we take another step.”

He was quiet for a moment, measuring his next words carefully.

“I guess I’ve been so hesitant to label what we have because the term girlfriend doesn’t really do what you mean to me justice. Does that make sense?”

“Completely.” You exhaled a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding, relieved by his admission. “You’re so much more to me than a boyfriend. And I was scared that if we labelled us, we’d feel pressure to do something that we… I would regret. I know it’s not that big a deal to most people, but it is to me. Is it dumb that I care this much?” You sighed, feeling childish.

“Not even a little bit,” he assured you, lifting your chin so he could look into your eyes. “It’s serious for me too. Talk to me though. I need to know what you’re thinking.”

You gnawed your bottom lip as you tried to gather your thoughts.

“Sweetness?” He coaxed softly after a few minutes.

“I’m thinking. Not ignoring,” you explained.

He nodded, content to give you all the time you needed.

“Physical intimacy scares me. More than emotional intimacy. And I feel like that’s backwards.”

“I don’t.”

“You don’t?” You couldn’t hide your surprise.

“No. I don’t. I don’t think you can have one without the other.” You were about to argue, but he knew where you were going. “We aren’t talking about meaningless sex. We’re talking about a physical connection, an extension of the emotional intimacy. And I couldn’t have that with someone I didn’t trust completely.”

“Neither could I.”

“Y/n, I trust you. And I would love to show that to you physically. But we will not do anything you don’t want to,” he assured you.

“I want you too. I want to share that with you.” Your fingers tangled in the hem of his shirt as you searched for something to ground you.

He covered your hand with his, squeezing gently.

“Does that scare you?”

“No. I feel like it should scare me. But it doesn’t.” You leaned your forehead against his as you whispered, “I trust you, Steve, with every part of me. And I want to be close to you.”

“I want to be close to you too. We’ll take things slow though, okay?”

“Okay. Will you stop me if you don’t feel comfortable?”

“I will. I promise.”

You shared a quiet understanding smile as you both took each other in.

“Can I kiss you now, sweetness?”

You nodded.

“I need to hear it, sweetness.”

“Kiss me, Steve.”

You expected fireworks when the two of you finally kissed, but instead it was like sinking into a cloud. Like everything with Steve it was comfortable. You relaxed into the kiss as you threaded your hands into his hair, tugging him even closer.

A/N: So EEEEEE?! Haha I hope that this was worth waiting for. I rewrote this scene about a million different ways but this finally felt right. Thanks for reading!

Sexiled Tag List @yourspecialcrush @part-time-patronus @impala-with-wings @the-stories-in-my-head-95 @zlixlle @peter-parker-steve-bucky @encounterthepast @holygaygal @hista-girl @steves-on-a-plane @juliagolia87 @pastelsweaters-and-bubble-t

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#Steve Rogers #Steve Rogers x Reader #College!AU #Sexild #Ongoing #Part 11

178 notes · View notes

psycho-slytherin · 6 years

Text

Strangers ch. 19

You discover Xiumin, and Murphy’s Law takes over.

Pairing: Yoongi x (female) Reader

Word count: 2.9k

Genre: Fluff

Summary: You always had a plan for what you’d do if you ever met a member of BTS. You just never expected you’d need it.

|mlist|

<–– Prev Next ––>

Xiumin.

He’s... what? No, no. You shake your head, your mouth suddenly, uncomfortably, dry. There has to be some mistake. He wants you. Why would he cheat? Have you bored him? Are you not enough? Your heart is being squeezed, twisted with every squeak of the bedsprings and thump of the headboard.

With trembling fingers you reach for the handle to the front door. If you confront Xiumin now, you’ll break down. Instead you quietly close and lock the door behind you, shove your hands in your pockets, and begin the walk home. If there’s anything you’ve gotten good at after lying to Yoongi for so long, it’s trapping your feelings— locking them up and ignoring them for as long as possible. That’s what you’ll do. Who cares that it hurts, it hurts so much that you might explode, you’re getting hit by a train, shoved off a cliff, why does it hurt so much?

You’re a block away from your apartment when you can’t take it anymore. You grab your phone and call Lisa.

“The number you are dialing has been turned off or disconnected-”

Is her phone dead? You hang up. Being alone isn’t so bad. You live alone. Xiumin has joked about moving in so that you had someone to talk to— you always reply that you hate roommates, but maybe you’d tolerate him. Now that you think about it, being alone is great. Right?

But, you realize, you’ve never needed a hug so bad. Being alone now... Almost unconsciously you call another friend.

It rings and rings and rings...

“Yo, this is Yoongi. Leave a message.”

You bite back a sob as the recording starts. “Yoongi, I- I need you. Please, something happened...” your lungs are empty, you’re practically choking out the words- “I don’t want to be alone.”

After hanging up, you trudge numbly up to your apartment. Yoongi doesn’t call back, which is fine— he’s busy and his time is valuable. You tie up your hair and begin running the water for the bath. The best feature of your tiny apartment is that it miraculously fits a bathtub.

You sigh, settling on your bed. You can’t get the sound out of your head— the bedsprings, the girl moaning in pleasure, and...

“You’re so beautiful, fuck...” how many times has he told you the same thing? Is she the only one?

God, it hurts and the suffocating, empty silence of your apartment only makes it hurt more—

Your phone rings next to you and you jump at the noise.

“H-hello?” Your voice nearly cracks from the tension in your throat.

“Y/n, where are you?” It’s Yoongi, and he’s speaking urgently.

“At home.”

Yoongi breathes a sigh of relief. “Alright, I’m hanging up.”

“Wh- wait, what?” You stare at your screen, having heard the click of the line going dead. So that’s it? Right, of course. He’s busy. He just wanted to make sure you’re safe, you’re in bed, you’re alone-

A knock at the door startles you, and you draw your blanket around your shoulders as you answer it. As soon as the door is open you find yourself enveloped in the familiar sea breeze scent, arms tight around you, so tight that you’re being squeezed but you still manage to take your deepest breathe since you left Xiumin’s place and...

“Y/n,” Yoongi murmurs as though he’s saying your name for the first time, and that’s when you break. You bury your face into Yoongi’s shoulder and suddenly you’re sobbing, loud choked cries that tear from your throat, and your chest is heaving because it hurts so much.

“Shh, sh...” Yoongi rubs circles on your back. “Y/n, would you like to come back with me? The car is downstairs, and I’m not leaving you alone.”

Unable to talk without hiccuping, you can only nod and let him lead you to the car. You feel helpless, useless, worthless, why are you so damn weak?

You shake your head once you’re in the car with Yoongi next to you. You’re not weak. You’re fine. You’re fine.

“Four months isn’t even that long,” you croak, forcing a smile. You need to be strong.

Understanding dawns on Yoongi’s face at your words. “Did you break up?”

“I don’t know.” You swallow thickly. “You’ll have to ask the girl he was fucking.”

Yoongi’s expression goes from cautious sadness to a dark, terrifying fury. “Bastard.”

“I know, right? I-“ your words are cut off by Yoongi squeezing your hand.

“How many times do I have to tell you?” he whispers. “You’re allowed to cry. You don’t have to be strong.”

His words are a punch to the gut; you don’t have the energy left for the loud, chaotic sobs of your apartment. Instead you rest your head on Yoongi’s shoulder, quietly letting hot tears stream down your face. Yoongi spends the rest of the car ride mute, allowing your muffled sniffles to be the only thing breaking the silence.

“I can tell the guys to go to bed,” he murmurs as the car parks underneath the boys’ luxurious apartment. “You don’t have to see anyone.”

“N-no, it’s fine.” You wipe your face on your sleeve. “I want to see them. And,” you add as an afterthought, “Hobi still has my shoe.”

Yoongi snorts at your comment. “Right. Man, that was so funny. Last night was a blast.”

You shake your head. “I’ll take your word for it. Any drunk is blackout drunk for me.”

“I figured— someone had to carry you home.”

“I didn’t mean to inconvenience anyone.”

“S’alright, it was cute.”

You fall silent during the elevator ride up to the apartment. At some point Yoongi’s arm wraps around your shoulders and pulls you against him, but the comfort the contact offers is minimal compared to the cold, numb emptiness radiating through your chest.

“Guys,” Yoongi says, unlocking the door and swinging it open. “I brought y/n.”

He must’ve texted ahead, because rather than the members’ usual rambunctious greeting you see the six of them perched in the living room, watching you cautiously.

“How are you, y/n?” Namjoon asks.

“Fine.”

A pause.

“How are you really?” Seokjin says, eyeing you carefully.

“I said fine.” They’re looking at you, they’re worried and you hate it because if they act like you’re made of porcelain, then you just might shatter. “Quit walking on eggshells.”

“You heard the woman,” Hoseok announces, thankfully distracting everyone’s piercing gaze from you. “We’re not here to tiptoe. Jungkookie, grab whatever liquor we’ve got left after yesterday.” He winks and waves you over. “I still owe you your shoe, by the way.”

You follow him down the hall to his room. “Do I want to know why I didn’t go home with it in the first place?”

“I don’t really remember,” Hoseok admits. “I was teasing you about something... I think you tried to hit me with your shoe?”

“I really hope you’re wrong,” you tell him, “but drunk me sure wanted to write it down.”

Hoseok cocks his head. “What?”

“Yeah, I woke up to a note from my drunk self. I nearly forgot, because—“

“You’re so beautiful, fuck...”

You shake your head. “I just forgot.”

“Wait, you wrote yourself a note?” Hoseok scratches his head. “How?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t get me wrong, last night is kind of blurry, but I’m pretty sure you were completely gone. Hyung had to carry you to the car, you couldn’t even walk.”

“Who?”

Hoseok ducks into his closet, missing your query. “Gotcha!”

He emerges triumphantly, clutching your black stiletto. “C’mon, let’s get back before the maknaes finish all the vodka. You deserve some fun!”

You follow him. You still can’t crack a genuine smile, but it’s a bit easier to keep your tears from falling. Dammit, why are you so weak? You thought Xiumin loved you. You thought you loved him, but apparently not.

Fake love indeed, you think ruefully.

“Took your sweet time,” Jungkook says as you and Hoseok appear in the living room. “What were you two getting up to?”

“Stuff it, Kook,” Yoongi growls.

You settle on the couch between Yoongi and Seokjin while Namjoon lines up shot glasses.

“Y/n, planning on partaking?” he offers.

“Nah. I don’t want to feel like death tomorrow,” you reply. You don’t say that you need to spend some time wallowing, processing— Xiumin doesn’t know that you found him. What are you going to do?

While Namjoon is pouring the shots, you feel your phone buzz in your pocket.

“Start without me, guys,” you call, wandering into the kitchen as you answer the phone.

“Hello?”

“Miss l/n?” You recognize the voice of your landlord.

“Yeah?”

“You’re not at home, are you?”

“Uh... no.”

“Right.�� There’s a pause before he speaks again. “I don’t quite know how to say this. I’ve... well, I’ve gotten some complaints from the apartment below yours. Their ceiling —that is, your floor— is leaking. Do you know anything about this?”

“L-leaking?” What? Wait, wait, wait... oh. Fuck. The bathtub. Did you... god, what kind of idiot would leave the tub running?

Fuck. You quickly tell your landlord what must’ve happened.

“Could you please go in and turn it off?” You plead. “I’m sorry, I’ll pay for damages, it can’t be that bad—”

“I’ll check it out and update you, miss l/n, but I wouldn’t be optimistic.” With that, your landlord hangs up and you’re left waiting, staring anxiously at your phone. You feel tears well up— god, how stupid can you be? Your distraction just cost you... what, a year’s salary?

A few minutes later the landlord calls again and you jump, answering your phone with a trembling hand.

“Miss l/n–”

“Please tell me it’s okay,” you interrupt him, crossing your fingers.

“Well, your computer is alright, but not much else. The water’s gotten everywhere...” he sighs. “I think you’ll need to find a place to stay tonight. Girls your age shouldn’t live alone anyways.”

“Thanks for everything,” you manage to reply. Your throat feels constricted, you’re being choked by your own idiocy. In a daze, you wander back into the living room, where the members have already begun with the raucous laughter you’ve grown to love.

“Everything okay?” Yoongi murmurs as you slide into the seat next to his.

You wipe your eyes. “Fine. I just need to call Lisa.”

“How come?”

“My, uh... my apartment is getting renovated.” You fumble with your phone before standing and making your way to a corner of the room to call your friend.

It rings once, twice, and—

“Y/n! Hey, sorry, I saw that you called but my phone was dead.”

“Yeah, no worries.”

Immediately Lisa zeroes in on the stress in your voice. “What’s wrong?”

“I need a place to stay tonight. Do you have extra space?”

“Ugh, I don’t,” Lisa says regretfully. “Wendy’s got a friend on the couch and you know I’m barely squeezed into a twin bed. Is it urgent?”

You don’t know what urgency means anymore. Xiumin, your apartment— it’s suddenly as though you can’t feel anything.

“Yeah, it’s not a huge deal,” you say. “Thanks anyways.”

After bidding her farewell and hanging up, you turn around and gasp. Yoongi is standing right behind you, and he’s staring at you intensely.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing,” you say quickly. Yoongi clenches his jaw.

“For fuck’s sake— y/n, you’re lying.” He grips your shoulders tightly, his gaze boring into you. “Please, for me... for once, just tell the truth.”

His earnestness makes your lip tremble, and you can’t help but take a deep breath.

“I just need a place to sleep tonight,” you mutter, blinking furiously to hold back unshed tears. Everything’s going wrong.

Yoongi cocks his head in confusion. “That’s it? Jeez, I thought there was an actual emergency,” he says with a sigh of relief.

“W-what do you mean?” It is an emergency, you’ll have to rent a hotel room or something—

Yoongi shrugs. “You’ll just stay with us.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, I mean, you’re already here. You can take one of the members’ beds... oh, and you’ll finally get to taste Jin hyung’s hangover soup.”

“Are you sure?”

Yoongi smiles and turns to the others. “Hey guys, can y/n stay for the night?”

The request is greeted by roars of approval, and you shake your head in wonder. “Yoongi, I couldn’t impose.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes in exasperation. “I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times: you’re always welcome here.” He leads you back to the couch, where Jimin is clinging to Jungkook like a koala and Hoseok is already slurring his words.

“Did you guys play a game or were you just straight chugging?” you ask incredulously.

“Flip a coin,” Namjoon says, tipping a bottle at you. “Feel like drowning your sorrows?”

Xiumin cheated and the apartment flooded and I’m so, so stupid...

“Pass me a glass,” you reply, plopping yourself on the couch. Namjoon pours you a shot and you down it before slamming the glass back on the table.

“Another,” you gasp as the liquor burns your throat.

“Don’t be reckless, y/n.” Taehyung mumbles, leaning over until he’s lying across your lap. “Mm, you’re comfy.”

You smile before raising your gaze once more. “Joon, another.”

Namjoon smirks. “Yes ma’am.”

By the third shot, you’re crying on Seokjin’s shoulder.

“I th-thought he loved m-me,” you whimper. “Why does nobody love me?”

“I love you, y/n,” Hoseok announces dramatically.

“-and my apartment is flooded because someone dragged me out,” You continue, glaring daggers at Yoongi. “Min Suga... no wait, Agust...” you scratch your head. “What was I talking about?”

“You were blaming me,” Yoongi reminds you.

“Right! Yeah, it’s all your fault.” You point at him. “I’m mad at you now.”

“Whatever you say, y/n.”

Some time later, with Yoongi still frustratingly sober, the conversation turns to where you’ll sleep. You think you’re sitting on Namjoon’s lap but to be honest you’re not sure of anything anymore.

“You can have my bed,” Seokjin offers. “That is, if you don’t mind rooming with Yoong–”

“Don’t worry about it, hyung,” Yoongi interrupts. “She can sleep in my bed and I’ll take the couch.”

“You’re both– hic– wrong,” Jungkook says, gesturing with his glass at the two eldest hyungs. “Why– hic– doesn’t she take my bed? I’m not rooming with anyone.”

Muting the dull buzz in your brain, you force yourself to speak. “I’ve already said I’ll sleep on the couch, and I’ll throw my shoe at anyone that argues with me,” you announce.

“You already did, y/n,” Yoongi says gently. “Twice. I dunno if you’re getting those back tonight.”

Through tilted vision you can see Hoseok asleep on the floor, cuddling your nice black pumps.

“Aw...” you pout, hiccuping. “Anyways, I’m sleeping on the couch. Goodnight!”

With that proclamation, you shove the remaining members off the couch, roll over, and pretend to be asleep. After fifteen or so minutes, Seokjin and Yoongi leave for their room and Jungkook does the same, albeit with a sleeping draped over his shoulder. The lights are flicked off and you’re left in the dignified silence of nighttime once more. There’s a blanket and pillow next to the couch so you’re plenty comfortable, but your brain still isn’t letting you pass out. With all the alchohol you consumed you know you should be out like a light, but sleep refuses to take you.

With a sigh, you wrap the blanket around your shoulders and sit on the floor, eyes stretched wide to adjust to the darkness. It’s quiet, peaceful. You’re alone, yes, but with the boys so close by you’re hardly lonely. It’s... nice.

A soft creak startles you and you turn to see a silhouette you know all too well.

“Yoongi.”

“Hey,” Yoongi whispers, sitting beside you. “You’re awake? How are you?”

You lean your head on his shoulder. “I’m– hic– sad. Is that allowed?”

“Of course it is, y/n. I’d be surprised if you weren’t,” Yoongi replies.

“You’re so nice,” you sniffle. “You really are the best, you know that?”

“Of course I am,” he says. “I’m the best at being furniture, apparently.”

You snuggle further into him, blinking slowly. “You are. You’re like a soft floofy couch.”

Yoongi stares straight ahead and when he speaks you have to strain to hear him. “That’s good, y/n.”

“Yoongi?” you sit up. “I feel weird. Like, I’m sad, but I– hic– don’t feel sad for the right reasons.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m sad that I’m not sad,” you whisper, turning towards him. “And I’m not sad because I have you.”

“Y/n, you know you’ll always have me.”

What happens next seems so natural, so right, it only makes sense when you lean forward ever so slightly to press your lips against his. He tastes like mint and sweet liquor, an unconventional combination that feels nothing short of addictive on your lips.

Yoongi sits frozen for a second before wrapping his hands around your waist and drawing you in closer and kissing you back passionately, heatedly. While neither of your mouths open, the feeling of your lips moving against his lend to every one of your fangirl fantasies coming true.

At last you separate, and you smile sleepily at him. “You’re amazing, Min Yoongi.”

Yoongi flashes you a gummy grin. “You’re pretty great too, y/n.”

You’re going to say something else but before you can, the world tilts to the left and everything goes dark.

A/N You’re amazing if you’ve stuck around after my lil hiatus. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed. As always, my inbox is open and any feedback is welcome and appreciated. Please feel free to drop me an ask with your thoughts!

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lonelypond · 7 years

Text

THE DANCE: LEAD ME TO I LOVE YOU, Chapter 2/2

Love Live, main pairing NicoMaki, 10.4K

Nico and Maki continue their dating dance, including another "Crisis at Intermission" for our favorite redhead. Scenes continue to be slotted between episodes of the 2nd season of the animation. Enjoy!

DISTRACTING

Nico was busy. Now Maki knew why Nico was busy. Which should make everything better. But Nico was still busy. And Nico’s Mom had not encouraged her to invite Maki over for dinner again while the business trip was still going on. And Maki might have pouted and Nico might have laughed and teased Maki about not being able to manage without seeing Nico and Maki had…

She glared down at the piano, trying to make her fingers pick out a tune, any tune. Or even touch the keys. Maybe a random note would trigger something. But no. To the phone again. She needed to leave it in her locker if she wanted to get anything done. Maki had closed herself in the music room on the pretense of working on her latest song, but what was mostly happening was rereading Nico text message streams while grumbling. And of course, now there was a new one.

N: Does Maki miss Nico (♡ >ω< ♡)

M: NO

N: (●´^｀●) Maki wants Nico to tell the truth but then Maki won’t ε＝（ﾉﾟдﾟ）ﾉ

M: I’m busy

N: You’re staring at your phone, pretending you don’t care (⌐■_■)

N: But cute (◕ᴥ◕)

Maki had the urge to throw her phone, but then…

M: Are you watching me?

N: (ʃƪ¬‿¬)

Maki got up from the piano and slid the music room door open, and there was Nico sitting on the side, smiling up at her. “Hey, Scriabin.”

“Don’t call me dead guy names.” Maki paused, eyebrow arched. “And how do you know who that is?”

Nico grabbed Maki’s hand and pulled herself to her feet. “Nico knows things. And I thought the term was composer.”

Maki shrugged, attempting a glare, but … they were alone, so she hugged Nico, briefly, with one arm, since Nico wouldn’t let go of her hand.

“Nico swoons.” And the smaller girl did, forcing Maki to break her fall. And then Nico kissed Maki on the cheek with a loud smack, and Maki instinctively stepped back, but her arms tightened around Nico and the the smaller girl was just dragged along with Maki’s motion.

“We could just wrestle.” Nico shook her head as she awkwardly unswooned. “Nico Ni is naturally graceful, as a Number One Super Idol should be, but Maki makes it difficult sometimes.”

Maki crossed her hands over her chest, refusing to acknowledge Nico. So Nico got behind her and shoved her toward the music room. “Grab your bag, you’re taking Nico out for fries. My mom got home early, so Nico has the afternoon free.”

“Really …” Maki tried to turn but Nico’s push caused them both to stumble across the sill. Nico hit the floor first, Maki on top of her. Nico was laughing so hard Maki was bouncing.

“Nico-chan.” Maki pushed up on her forearms, afraid she might hurt Nico.

“I ke … keep te … telling you, Maki-chan,” Nico was still laughing, “th … there are better ways to get close to the Number One Idol.”

Maki kissed Nico. On the lips. Her embarrassment meter had topped out. So might as well do what she’d been thinking about all afternoon. And thoroughly.

Nico stopped laughing. And Umi nearly fainted when she came in to check on Maki’s progress with the song.

NOT MODEL BEHAVIOR

Hanayo and Rin stared at Maki, who was looking after Nico, who had stormed off after practice, not even saying goodbye. Rin angled her head in Maki’s direction, trying to convince Hanayo to speak.

“Maki-chan?” Hanayo squeaked out.

“Hmmmmm.” Maki realized how tense she was and dropped her shoulders. “Is something wrong, Hanayo?”

“Do you know why Nico-chan is mad?” Hanayo stepped behind Rin as she spoke, grabbing the ginger-haired girl’s arm for support.

Maki glanced back to where Nico had been, as if she could still see her. “N … no. Did Eli or Nozomi say something?”

Rin jumped forward, finger pointing at Maki’s chest. “You said we couldn’t compete with models. So now Nico’s mad at you.”

“Why?” Maki’s voice skipped as she scowled. “I meant me … I don’t want Nico to … anyway, Nico’s not nearly ta …”

Rin grabbed Maki and pulled her head down so she could cover her mouth. “NEVER SAY THAT.”

Hanayo nodded seriously when Maki looked to her wide eyed as if to ask if Rin had lost her mind. “Nico-chan would hear you, no matter where she was.”

“Yeah, Maki-chan. You can’t go around saying other girls are better than your girlfriend.” Rin let Maki go.

“But they’re professionals, Nico-chan’s still in high school, and …” Maki kept going even as her two best friends looked more and more concerned.

“DON’T FINISH THAT THOUGHT,” Rin shouted.

“I’m going home,” announced Maki, who was now exasperated with everyone she knew.

Hanayo pulled on Maki’s arm, earnest. “Think about Nico. How would you feel if Nico said you couldn’t compete with models?’

Maki went pale. “But I didn’t say that.”

Rin shook her head. “But Nico might have heard that.”

Maki froze, recalling how dark Nico’s face had gone. She’d dismissed it as one of Nico’s quirky mood swings at the time, but …

“Oh no.”

Hanayo and Rin nodded earnestly. “You have to fix this, Maki-chan.”

“How?”

“What do you do when Nico’s mad at you?”

Maki blushed and shook her head.

Hanayo sighed. “Well, you know what works for you. Let’s go home, Rin.”

Rin thumped Maki on the back. “You can do this, Maki-chan.”

Maki remembered how dark Nico’s mood had been; a piece of perishable fruit wouldn’t fix this.

Phone. Text. Emoticon. Charm. That’s what Nico always did.

Nico got home, made sure her siblings were busy with homework and started cleaning her way through the kitchen. Maki … didn’t even care enough to know how upset she’d made Nico. Rin was probably slowly drawing her pictures now.

Cocoa ran into the kitchen. “ONEE-CHAN!”

The plates Nico had been neatly stacking nearly tilted back into the sink.

“What is it, Cocoa?”

Cocoa shoved Nico’s phone into her gut. “It’s Maki.”

“Did you answer my phone?” Nico glared at her sister, bouncing eagerly in front of her. Cocoa shook her head.

“Read the name. Are you going to call her? Are you mad at her? Is Maki going to come over?” Cocoa never stopped to breathe when excited.

“Go play with Cotarou.” Nico pointed Cocoa back to the living room and looked at her phone.

M: I’m sorry, Nico-chan (´･_･`)

Nico’s fingers flew across the screen: “Did Rin tell you what to apologize for?”

M: ﾍ(･_|

Nico laughed. Maki was using her own strategy against her. Two could play at that.

N: ( p_q)

The phone went off. Nico took the call.

“I wasn’t thinking about you, Nico-chan. It … I … was … it was me,” Maki admitted.

Nico snorted. “Maki-chan doesn’t have anything to be nervous about.”

“I do. You don’t,” Maki insisted. “Y … you’ve got so much confidence … and … yo … you … cute…”

Nico could see the blush happening in her mind, Maki blazing red and twirling her hair, and then glaring angrily when she would realize Nico was watching her.

“Well, you’re downright gorgeous,” Nico muttered, not realizing she’d said it out loud at first. She heard Maki gulp before the call ended. Nico shook her head. Still so easily embarrassed.

Maki didn’t drop the phone this time, but her hands were shaking a little, with her heart fluttering a lot more. A text popped up on the screen.

N: Meet me for lunch tomorrow. Bring fruit if you want b(~_^)d

Maki smiled. Then there was another.

N: Better practice (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و telling Nico how much prettier she’ll be than anyone else there

Maki started to type before Nico interrupted.

N: Except Maki-chan (✿ ♥‿♥)

Maki knew that Nico knew there was no way she could reply to that. It might take until lunch tomorrow for her agitation to calm. She could see Nico’s face in her mind, eyes agleam, smile sparkling, lips ...

I NEED YOUR ATTENTION

Maki was once again listening to a Korean pop star Nico was fond of; dating seemed to be a play-unexpected-songs-at-loud-volumes experience for the youngest Nishikino. Her mother was surprised, expecting Maki to turn to the piano more. The third repeat signalled time for another parental intervention. After all, one can only take hearing a breathy chorus of “Kiss My Lips” so many times ...

The elder Nishikino poked her head into the room. “Do you want tea, dear?” Maki grunted, not looking up from the brochures scattered on the table in front of her and the chair next to her. Her mother stepped into the room, curious. Wedding brochures. From the fashion show μ's had sung at the past weekend.

“Wedding dresses? Aren’t you a little young?”

Maki didn’t respond with the jump her mother expected, just a sigh. “Not wedding dresses, just dresses.”

“Oh.” Nishikino-sama was honestly relieved. As much as she liked Nico, Maki was still only 15. And there were many things to consider.

“Rin practically gleamed when she put on that dress, and when Hana …” now Maki jumped a little, suddenly realizing she was actually speaking to her mother, who looked far too interested. “N … n … never mind.” Maki dropped the brochure she was looking through, hand now free to twirl a red curl.

But that was enough of a clue for her mother, who put a hand out to restrain her daughter when she tried to get up. “Why don’t we look through these and see what you like, then we can go talk to my personal shopper.”

Maki shrugged.

“And then you and Nico can take our seats for the next symphony concert. We can have the car take you, you can eat dinner at a nice restaurant …”

Maki looked slightly interested. Nico seemed to like the ballet. She probably wouldn’t turn down a symphony date. It’s not like Maki had to buy the tickets either, the Nishikinos already had the seats, and Nico couldn’t complain about the restaurant either, they couldn’t wear fancy dresses to a fast food place. Well, they could, but maybe Nico’s pride would work in Maki’s favor for once ...

“Sure.”

“Good. Just ask Nico soon. The next concert is in ten days.” Her mother picked up a random brochure. “What do you like? Or do you want tea?”

Maki shook her head, still a little hesitant. But her mother knew more about fashion than she did … “S … something formal, black like a tuxedo but a dress, bows maybe?” Maki handed her mother one of the more worn brochures with a sleeveless, high necked white dress with bows cascading down the front on the cover.

“Nice choice for a formal occasion. I bet we could find something similar in a nonbridal color.”

“R … really?”

ORCHESTRAL MANEUVERS IN THE AFTERNOON

Nico watched Maki. Her girlfriend had been jumpier than usual this afternoon, although catching the light very well, amethyst eyes glowing whenever they caught Nico’s. But she seemed to be hiding behind Rin. Which took some doing. Rin appeared as puzzled as Nico, trying to turn around to see what Maki was up to. But then Maki stepped out, fiddling with her hat, heading toward …

“Nico-chi!” Nico felt Nozomi behind her and whirled to avoid the washi washi.

“What?”

“Did you get the homework?”

“Yeah, it’s in my bag. I’ll text the pages to you.” Nozomi nodded, and Nico turned back around. Maki now seemed to be hiding behind Hanayo. Nico was confused, but Maki smiled when she glanced in Nico’s direction so …

Today. Before rehearsal. Maki was going to ask Nico. She’d already made Rin and Hanayo promise not to drag her into any conversations. Nico was usually one of the first on the rooftop these days, in case Maki got there early too, so Maki had hope of catching her girlfriend alone. So she stepped out onto the roof boldly, only to freeze, one foot in the air when she saw Nico standing behind Umi, raising Umi’s hands to the other girl’s forehead.

“Embarrassment is your enemy, Umi-chan. Repetition is your friend. You have to practice gestures over and over until they become automatic, then your natural presence can come through.” Nico raised and lowered Umi’s hands, demonstrating, voice serious.

Maki watched Umi nod, intent on Nico’s every word. Maki stepped back into the hallway, letting the door slam behind her.

Maki had been awfully silent throughout rehearsal and yet stuck awfully close to Nico. Yesterday the redhead had also been on the quiet side, but glaring at Umi for some reason. Nico wondered if the latest song was causing stress between μ's songsters. But Umi had seemed herself yesterday, even in a good mood, taking in all of Nico’s posing and confidence tips and even voluntarily taking selfies with first years after rehearsal. Nico had seen them talking as she and Maki left the campus, and she’d complimented Umi on her smile. Come to think of it, Maki had been subdued then too.

“What’s up, Maki-chan?” Nico put her hands on Maki’s waist and spun the redhead.

“N … Nico-chan?!” Maki tried to step back, but Nico resisted, holding her in place.

“Are you and Umi having trouble with the music?”

Maki shook her head, reddening; Nico hugged Maki. “I’m sure my Maki-chan will write the best song ever.”

Maki was trembling, and Nico figured she’d pushed the redhead far enough and released her. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Maki-chan. Text Nico when you get home! Nico Nico Ni!”

Nico bounded off the rooftop, and Maki collapsed, back against the fence. Asking Nico to the symphony in person wasn’t working at all. Maybe she should just text her.

THREE STRIKES …

Three days, three not exactly attempts, and every time Maki had thought about asking Nico to the symphony, something had happened, Nozomi interrupting or Nico helping Umi with “stage presence and confidence” or Nico just being Nico and Maki being incapable of boldness. Maybe Maki should get some help with confidence. Like Umi claimed to be. But not from Nico. Or Rin. Maki still had a “Rin will ruin my dating life” twitch. But there was Honoka. All confidence. Maki considered that. Of course, Honoka would probably just fist pump and tell her to “Go for it, Maki-chan.” Wouldn’t really be a help, but would be very Honoka.

Nico was wiping sweat off her face with a towel and about to go downstairs to change. Now or never, Maki thought, checking to make sure all the other μ's members had left the roof already. Did Nico shiver? The weather was getting colder. Maki touched Nico’s shoulder.

“Are you chilly, Nico-chan?”

“Oh, hi, Maki-chan.” Nico grinned at the sight of her girlfriend, warmer from the way Maki’s voice embraced her name. Maki’s mood swings had been even weirder than normal the past few days, so Nico was glad that the younger girl started a conversation. “No, Nico is just fine.” Then Nico tilted her head at Maki, considering something for a moment before throwing her arms around Maki’s torso. “But Nico wouldn’t mind sharing a little warmth with the cutest girl around.”

Nico threw out compliments so easily it was almost frustrating. Maki knew Nico meant them, but the occasional flood started to wear on her ability to listen and absorb. And then there was the problem of saying something in return. Fortunately Nico seemed to appreciate any efforts at all, even if it was choked and monosyllabic. In this situation, Maki settled for the nonverbal pulling Nico in and resting her nose in Nico’s silky hair. And things got calmer. Maybe she could ask Nico if she didn’t have to look at Nico.

“N … Ni ...”

“Want to go to the movies on Saturday, Maki-chan? Nico will buy popcorn.”

Maki stiffened. Of course Nico would ask her out at just the wrong time, for the date Maki had already made plans for. It was so like Nico to speed right in and take over everything, never giving Maki a chance to think, let alone get a sentence out.

“Maki-chan? Movie. Saturday?” Nico stepped back, watching the redhead carefully, trying to read signs for a clue as to Maki’s recent oddness.

Maki shook her head.

“Oh.” Nico tossed the towel over her shoulder, trying not to sound too disappointed. “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“W … wait, Nico-chan.” Maki inhaled, sliding to block Nico’s exit. “I want to go to the symphony.”

Nico looked a bit taken aback, worry overshadowing her features before she recovered. “Oh, Maki-chan is used to …” Nico smiled. “Of course, Number One Idol Nico-chan will find a way to …”

“NO.” Shouting was not the way to do this, Maki knew, but everything was getting too ... Nico crossed her arms in front of her chest, brows lowered over her eyes, staring as she waited for the redhead to continue.

Before Nico’s eyes could flash dangerously, Maki raced through her plan. “My family already has seats, I bought a dress, Mama says we can take the car to dinner …”

Those glorious eyes pleaded. Nico dreaded that look, it left her no choice but to try to figure out a way to make what Maki wanted happen. The younger girl had bought a dress? Guess the fashion show had had an effect. Nico knew a few places to go thrift shopping, and she was the right size for designer samples that could work with a little bit of alteration. She didn’t really have time for it, but … Maki was forgetting to breathe again, that was never a good sign.

Nico sounded as brightly enthusiastic as she could while her brain plotted the route she would take on the way home to hit a few thrift shops. “Nico would love to go to the symphony with Maki-chan.”

Maki’s relieved smile was all the incentive Nico needed to make sure that the date was perfect for Maki.

OOPS

It had only taken three hours to prepare, not including travel time to and from the hairdresser. But Maki’s hair was now swept under the cute nearly a beret that had been the deciding factor in choosing the Yumo Koshimo dress … not as formal as Maki had originally wanted, but black and silver and beaded and kicky, with so many different textures. Maki twirled and watched the checked skirt catch the light. She grinned at herself in the mirror. Nico would love this.

She heard the click of a phone camera and turned to see her mother in the doorway. “You look beautiful, Maki. The driver is waiting.” Maki blushed and grabbed her purse as her mother kissed her cheek. “Have a good time, dear.”

“Thanks, Mama!”

Nico opened the door, about to shout over her shoulder at Cocoro, but the sight of Maki standing there, black hat slouched over a sparkling eye, black tulle peeking out from a silver and black checked skirt, legs … well, Nico glanced up quickly, only to stopped again by the black bunched fabric neck piece resting on … glance up again, Nico she ordered herself, to be met by a pair of now slightly worried amethyst eyes.

“Nico-chan?” Maki sounded timid.

Nico pulled herself together, closing her mouth, eyes on sparkle, deep breath, taking Maki’s free hand. “Maki-chan is the most beautiful girl in Tokyo tonight.” And Nico turned Maki’s hand over to brush a kiss lightly on the back of it. “And Super Idol Nico Ni is the luckiest.” Still in a half bow, she winked at Maki and raised the hand to blow a kiss toward the redhead’s lips. Maki seemed to try to be fighting off a blush, but that was a battle Nishikino Maki was never going to win.

Nico reached back to shut the door behind her, but found her two sisters staring. “Cocoro, Cocoa, I told you to get ready for bed.”

“But we want to see Maki-san,” Cocoa whined.

Maki patted Cocoa on the head. “Is your Mom away again, Nico-chan?”

Nico shook her head. “Just working late. The neighbor is going to check in on them for me.” Nico glared at her siblings. “But first, they have to stop staring at my beautiful girlfriend.” Nico watched Maki blush even deeper and chuckled, grabbing and hugging her siblings while simultaneously shoving them inside the apartment. “Lock the door, Cocoro, put on your pajamas and let Nomura-sama in when she knocks, okay?”

Cocoro nodded, “I know.”

“Good. Nico will tuck you in when she gets home.”

Nico shut the door, waited to test it to make sure Cocoro locked it behind her, then twirled. “Well, we know Maki’s gorgeous, but what about Nico?”

And Maki finally took a good look at her date, who had a dashing two-button black jacket closed over a bold red dress that seemed to bubble up energetically at the base of the skirt. And Nico was once again too tall, her feet in black heels and her hair twisted up into a bun, Maki thought she saw crystals glittering in it, but they didn’t capture her attention like the audacious glint in Nico’s eyes.

Maki nodded. Nico frowned. “Compliments are usually spoken out loud, Maki-chan.”

Maki nodded again. Nico laughed and took Maki’s arm. “Let’s get to the restaurant. Nico is hungry.”

Maki leaned down to whisper in Nico’s ear, “Nico is the prettiest girl in Tokyo tonight.”

Nico patted her arm. “Maki can think that. Nico won’t mind.”

Nico had looked over the program for the evening in advance. It included “Bugaku,” a piece commissioned from Mayuzumi Toshiro by George Balanchine. So she’d focused her research efforts on that, since she and Maki already had one ballet in common. It could be their thing. Plus, Nico was always more interested when music and dance were teamed, and while there wouldn’t be dancers on stage tonight, Nico could certainly imagine what might be happening from the descriptions she’d read of the ballet and what she’d seen of traditional gagaku. She’d even asked Umi for advice on what she should be looking up. Between that and finding the cutest Yukio Torii dress with its price slashed due to a minor flaw Maki would never see, Nico felt very prepared for her evening. She would just make sure to check the label on anything Maki bought at intermission and things should go well. Dinner had been excellent; Maki had chosen a French restaurant, and Nico had fallen in love with her dessert. And Nico had gotten Maki to forget her nerves by letting her describe her dress-shopping adventures with her mother. Nico had taken a few mental notes to discuss with Kotori when the next μ's costume brainstorming session happened. Everything was so black and white at the moment, surely μ's could lead a charge into bold colors. Black and white was for formal occasions and boring things, not cute girls and pop songs. Nico took a long glance at Maki, who was recovering from talking through dinner by watching traffic pass as they approached Suntory Hall. Tonight, her gorgeous girlfriend had somehow managed a “wow” mashup of cute and elegant. Maybe Nico would have to review her opinion about formalwear and cute girls. Nico once again caught herself following the lines of Maki’s outfit, noting every detail, every contrast of fabric against skin texture, while the redhead drifted in thought, relaxed in a posture of graceful ease that Nico wanted to memorize.

JUST SKIP INTERMISSION, MAKI

Maki had been for once in her life having trouble concentrating on music. She kept trying not to glance at Nico, to see if she could see how the pop of Nico’s collar had shifted, and how much attention Nico was paying and if the dark-haired girl was leaning forward, or sitting back or … Maki had to stop her train of thought so many times and force herself to interrupt the urge to fidget. Nico had nudged her slightly once, which had been enough for Maki to vault completely into self-conscious worry echoing where music appreciation should have thrived. Intermission was a longed-for opportunity to stretch her legs. They walked into the lobby together, Nico thoughtful.

“Can I get you something, Nico-chan,” Maki wondered, glancing around the lobby.

“Y …” Nico stopped herself and smiled at Maki. “No, thank you, Maki-chan. I’m still full from dessert.”

Maki nodded. Nico’s collar had shifted again, and Maki found herself focusing on how close it was to brushing Nico’s earlobe. Nico’s hair, swept up, exposed so much of her neck and profile, and Maki was all too aware of how much she was gawking. Nico didn’t seem to notice, but Maki was sure everyone else in the room was staring at her in her goofiness, or at Nico and how striking she looked in her outfit. Neither choice thrilled Maki. Nico had tucked her purse neatly under her arm and whispered near Maki’s ear, “I’ll be right back, Maki-chan. Don’t get lost.”

Maki nodded, watching Nico as she bounced merrily in the direction of the restrooms. Still only gawking, Nishikino, she chided herself, maybe now is the time to think of something intelligent to say. Now, what had the music sounded like … and the composer? What would Nico like to talk about? How did you go from idols to symphony? Was Nico actually enjoying herself?

“Nishikino-san!” Maki turned at the sound of her name, as did a few others who probably knew her parents. Kichida Jun, a fellow student of her piano teacher, waved and came over.

“Is your mother here, Nishikino-san? I haven’t seen in her in too long.”

“No, Mama stayed home. I’m here with a friend.” Maki looked around for Nico, but she hadn’t returned yet.

“Ah …” Kichida patted Maki’s arm. “Do you still play? I gave up lessons when I started studying for my college exams.”

“I still play, although I don’t take regular lessons. I’ve been composing …” Maki wondered how much she should say about μ's and if the other girl would find her interest in school idols queer.

Kichida took a step in, obviously impressed. “Sensei always said you were one of his most talented students, so I’m not surprised you’ve started composing. And so young.” Maki stood a little taller as the other girl smiled up at her. “So what do you think of this interpretation of Mayazumi’s work?”

Nico wondered if Maki had wandered off anywhere. Nope, red hair neatly arranged under a cute hat right where Nico left it. With another head next to it, dark hair, designer knit dress, saying something to Maki that was … Maki’s hand was reaching to tuck a tendril of hair behind her ear, so Nico decided to break in on the conversation.

The other girl was speaking. “I’m sure if you decided to compose something in the classical style, we would eventually be hearing you here. You should consider entering for the Toru Takemitsu Composition Award.”

“What award is this, Maki-chan,” Nico sidled up next to Maki, taking her arm.

“Oh, hi, Nico-chan. It’s not something you’d be interested in.” Maki nodded quickly at Nico, then returned to her conversation. “I was very impressed with last year’s piece. They start another three-year judging cycle this year, though.”

Maki’s new friend smiled at Nico, curious, but Maki was explaining something about the new judges and didn’t notice the awkward tension rising in her audience.

“Perhaps a Japanese composer will take first place again,” Kichida offered.

Nico had no idea what they were talking about. Maki hadn’t even bothered to introduce Nico to her too-friendly friend, and all the information Nico had looked up about Bugaku, Balanchine, Karinska and ballet was being wasted.

Maki rubbed her forearm. “I read somewhere that more international composers were entering, European and South America.”

“No serious North American contenders though, huh?”

Maki shrugged.

“Nico will leave Maki alone now,” Nico said with her sternest inflection, and directed her darkest glare in the oblivious redhead’s direction.

“Sure.” Maki kept her focus on the other girl. “North America doesn’t seem that competitive.”

Nico popped her lapels, turned on her heel, and marched toward the door. Maki. Silly, oblivious Maki. Just thinking about the redhead ignoring her drove each step into the ground with maximum force. Nico was surprised her steps weren’t echoing through the lobby.

Maki had just started to describe a student composition she’d heard at Carnegie Hall on her family’s last visit to New York City when Kichida put a hand on her shoulder. “Nishikino-san.”

“Yes.” Maki tensed a little at the unexpected contact.

“Your friend is leaving.”

“W … what.”

Kichida pointed, Maki whirled only to see Nico storm out the front of the hall. Maki rushed after her.

Nico had made it to the base of the stairs to the street level when Maki burst through the door.

“Nico-chan! Stop! Where are you going? The music’s about to start,” Maki shouted as she ran, nearly stumbling over a heel she wasn’t used to. Nico had stopped, arms crossed over her chest, eyes angry.

“Sit with your ‘friend,’” Nico snapped.

“But her seat’s not anywhere …”

“Good night, Maki.” That was a snarl.

Maki rushed to grab Nico’s arm before the smaller girl could accelerate away again. Maki did not want to race in her current shoes.

“Let go.” Nico’s whisper was a katana blade. Maki didn’t obey.

“What’s the matter, Nico-chan?”

Nico huffed, and shook Maki’s hand off. “I bet you didn’t notice Nico wasn’t there until your friend told you I was leaving, right?”

Maki ignored the truth in Nico’s statement. “Her name is Kichida Jun. We have the same piano teacher.”

Nico shrugged. “I would have known that if you’d bothered to introduce me. Or pay any attention to me at all.”

Maki frowned. “But we were talking about a classical composing competition. You don’t know anything …” Maki stopped cold as Nico suddenly loomed.

“Nico knows lots. Nico knows ‘Bugaku’ was commissioned by George Balanchine, who wanted gagaku done with western instruments for a ballet. Nico knows that Karinska designed a flower-petal tutu for the ‘Bugaku’ costumes that people are still talking about. Nico knows that Mayuzumi scored three other ballets and over a hundred movies.” Maki watched, fascinated, as Nico’s presence expanded with each fact that she threw out. Then Maki saw tears starting and reached out, but Nico skipped aside. How did she manage those heels, Maki wondered. “Number One Idols know how to prepare for dates with cute girls.” Nico’s whisper was now a flower-petal-lost-in-a-cold-wind whisper, “not that Maki would notice.”

And then Nico stomped up the stairs. Maki stood silent for a minute, thinking. Then she tore off her own heels and followed Nico.

“Nico-chan, please, stop. Let me talk.”

‘Why?’ Nico whirled, dangerous. Maki took a step back, hands out at waist height.

“Because I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry, Nico-chan.”

Nico waited, foot tapping.

“I should have been paying more attention to you.”

“And …”

Fast thinking. “I shouldn’t have assumed you wouldn’t be interested in the composing competitions.”

“And …”

Maki sighed, trying to fight her own surge of anger. “I don’t know, Nico-chan. I’m just sorry. About whatever you want me to be sorry about.”

“Ooh, the princess is getting an attitude. Your patience for Nico is running out. Maybe you have more for your simpering friend.” Nico’s lips curled as if she’d tasted something sour.

“She wasn’t simpering, and she’s not my friend.”

“Neither is Nico.” Nico’s hands crossed over her chest.

“No.” Maki voice sharpened and suddenly she felt like she was the one looming, but Nico stayed solid, not phased at all. Maki ran a hand through the back of her hair, nearly dislodging the hat. “Nico-chan is my date. My girlfriend. And I was very, very wrong. And I’m very, very sorry. And we are never going to anything with an intermission again.” Maki dropped to the steps, pulling her knees in, forming a protective huddle. There was silence. Maki couldn’t tell if Nico was still there or not. She knew she was going to start sobbing, so she dropped her head into her knees.

Then Nico was next to her, soft hand on Maki’s forearm. “That’s too bad, because Nico actually likes the ballet.”

Maki snorted, resting her cheek on Nico’s hand and meeting red eyes that she didn’t know well enough to read in the dark. “Fine, then next time, I’ll just stay in my seat.”

Nico nodded seriously. “It’ll save you money on fruit. Although Nico does like oranges.”

Maki laughed. “I’ll have them delivered in the morning.”

“Good.” Nico voice was brusque but her fingers gently untangled Maki’s curls. “One of the reviews of a recent performance of ‘Bugaku’ called it an ‘erotic duet,’ so maybe it’s better that Maki’s missing that part of the program. Nico wants to be a responsible senior.”

Maki decided to take a risk and surged forward to kiss Nico, “Don’t.”

After a kiss that left Maki breathless, Nico laughed and stood. “Maki hasn’t been forgiven yet.”

Maki followed after Nico, not really sure about what had happened, or what would happen next. But Nico was irresistible.

“Call your driver.”

Maki nodded, pulling out her phone. She didn’t want to go back into the midst of all those people anyway. She just wanted to be anywhere Nico decided to go.

POSTLUDE

Maki paused in the door of the sitting room, smiling. Her mother had been watching the clock, sipping tea and mostly reading a book. Maki was home little earlier than she’d expected. But in a good mood.

“Where do I get oranges delivered from?” Maki asked as she took off her hat, placing the pins carefully inside the crown.

“I can call someone in the morning,” Nishikino-sama put her book down, curious.

Maki nodded. “I’ll text you Nico-chan’s address.”

The Nico-tone went off, Maki glanced down at her phone.

N: Maki-chan is magic (∩｀-´)⊃━☆ﾟ.*･｡ﾟ Nico can’t wait to see you on Monday (✿╹◡╹) Sweet dreams - (๑♡3♡๑) bonus points if Nico makes an appearance (⌒.−)＝★

Maki’s grin widened, and she started typing.

“Maki?” Her mother put her teacup down loudly.

“Huh?” Maki looked up, a little puzzled.

“How did it go? Did Nico like the symphony?”

Maki considered, wondering what she could tell her mother without inviting further questions. Then she remembered Nico, ruby eyes flashing, standing on the steps beside Suntory Hall yelling at Maki things not even Maki knew about Mayuzumi Toshiro.

“Nico-chan studies for dates.” There was a surprising undertone of smugness in Maki’s voice. And then she ran upstairs before her mother could say anything else. Nishikino-sama made a mental note to pay more attention. And put a reminder in her phone about the oranges. How many siblings did Nico have?

Nico frowned. Had she already added the sugar to the pancake mix? Quick taste test. Nope. Nico wasn’t as organized this morning as she would have liked. She’d woken early to start breakfast after not much sleep. Last night was still fizzing around in her head, memories of her date with Maki effervescing into the morning . From the redhead’s knockout dress choice to her eyes when Nico had responded to her post-symphony kiss to the way her voice became a caress when she said Nico’s name -- Nico had been whirling. She couldn’t remember anything the orchestra had played but the songs filling her head instead all had a redheaded wonder as the backdrop. And then there had been Maki’s good night text.

M: Nico-chan (◡‿◡✿) makes Maki’s heart ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ) dance (ノ・・)ノ

Knock on the door. Nico wiped her hands on her apron and opened it, a little suspicious. Delivery. Case of oranges. Perfect.

BOO

Honoka had been chased out of the restaurant by an Umi who was berating her for every bad habit she might ever develop. Kotori was skipping a few steps behind and trying to soothe Umi.

Eli and Nozomi had gone off, and Rin and Hanayo were slowly walking home, Rin fascinated by all the floating decorations.

Nico turned to Maki. “Come shop for decorations with me.”

Maki snorted, pushing the smaller girl away. “Why, so you can look Halloweeny enough for TV crews?”

“No. For the clubroom.” Nico dropped her head to the table, taking a moment and then punctured Maki’s dubious attitude with a simple question. “Is there something wrong with me wanting more people to know about μ's?”

Maki opened her mouth, but couldn’t find a challenge to that.

Nico leaned toward Maki, one hand on the table for support, determined to convince the composer. “Being savvy about public relations is important for Idols, Maki-chan. The more the public hears about us, sees how cute we ALL are, the bigger the audience we attract, the more support for μ's and Love Live. Judges and voters will remember.”

Maki was reluctant to admit that Nico had a point, but Nico had a point. And it really didn’t seem to be a Number One Idol need for attention. Nico’s face glowed with a different aura, her eyes steady and commanding respect.

Maki nodded, impressed. “You’ve really thought this out, Nico-chan.”

“Nico Ni is a professional.” Nico took Maki’s hand. “And my mom was right.”

“Your mom?” Maki leaned back, surprised at the turn of conversation.

Nico blushed a little. “I was upset one night because we’d been arguing at rehearsal about song choices, and my mom said it might help if we had honest CALM conversations in private so we didn’t work against each other in public so much.”

Maki sighed, her head knocking against the wall. “My mom said I should listen more.”

“Pffftttt, my Maki-chan listen.” Nico laughed. “What do they know?”

Maki chuckled. “Well, my dad is only a little better at communicating than I am, so my mom says she has some sympathy for you.”

Nico’s voice got soft, and she leaned back as well. “My mom just says my dad was a charmer. He laughed a lot. They got along really well.”

“My parents, too, although they’re always busy.”

“Yeah,” Nico squeezed Maki’s hand. “Hospital life must be hectic. You spend a lot of time there, too.”

“Not so much since μ's; I’m busy now, too.”

Maki sounded sad; Nico decided it was time to turn on the active charm. “And now Maki-chan is going help Nico buy the best Halloween decorations ever.” She bumped the redhead with her shoulder and then pulled her out of the booth. “Plus, Nico gives Maki permission to buy her something that reminds her of Nico Ni.”

“It might be a gremlin,” Maki warned, her eyes twinkling.

Nico huffed, but it was a jovial huff as she led them through the door. “Then Nico might buy Maki a robot, since Maki pretends not to care about Nico’s feelings.”

“Definitely gremlin.”

Nico bounced in front of Maki and bopped her on the nose with a teasing finger. “As long as it’s cute, like Nico.”

Maki quickly leaned forward to brush a kiss on Nico’s cheek. “Nothing is cute like Nico.”

“Or sharp like Maki.” Nico winked.

NOT ABOUT NICO

Nico wondered briefly where her girlfriend had disappeared to after changing, but when she stepped into the hall, Maki pulled her into the next classroom.

“Ooohh, Maki wants some alone time with Nico Ni?” Nico pushed up against Maki, expecting a kiss.

“Isn’t it weird that Eli wants a new song, then Nozomi suggests a love song, and Eli just goes right along?”

Nico puffed up dramatically, to showcase her disappointment, but Maki wasn’t noticing her at all.

“I mean she’s not the one who’ll have to write it,” Maki muttered, pacing, her hands on her hips.

Nico hopped up on a desk. “What’s weird is that Maki-chan is completely ignoring the Number One Idol in the Universe.”

“No, I’m not,” Maki shook her head. “I’m trying to get you to agree with me that’s Eli’s being weird.”

Nico shrugged. “Maybe Eli just wants to do something nice for Nozomi. It happens, you know.”

Maki actually looked at Nico, considering. Then she frowned. “That’s not it.”

Nico hopped back down with a bow. “Nico defers to the Great Romantic then. I have to get home, Maki-chan.” Nico stared meaningfully at the obtuse redhead, but Maki was completely focused on the thing she registered as a problem. Nico recognized the signs. There would be copious text teasing by Nico once the redhead came out of her fugue. As it was, Nico shoved Maki ahead of her as they exited the room. “Let’s catch up to the others.”

Maki nodded, still not completely paying attention. Maybe Rin and Hanayo would understand.

YAWN

Maki’s ringtone. Nico was in deep sleep, and it took the sound a few moments to rouse her. Nico pressed the green button, but left the phone next to her pillow, not lifting her head.

“Maki-chan?”

“I can’t sleep, Nico-chan.” The redhead’s voice jangled, Nico wondered briefly if her girlfriend had had sugar or caffeine. Or maybe this was a dream. Nico yawned.

“Nico-chan?”

“Sorry. What’s the matter?”

“Do you think Eli’s a spy for A-Rise?”

“WHAT?” Nico sat up. “Did Rin come up with that?”

“M … maybe …”

“Eli is not a spy. Or trying to sabotage anything. She just wants to do something nice for Nozomi. You know, girlfriend stuff.”

Silence on Maki’s end of the phone … Nico counted the breaths and started yawning again.

“I’m not writing a love song for Nozomi,” Maki announced.

“Good.” Nico laid back down. “Although I don’t think anyone asked you to.”

“You call yourself Nico less when you’re asleep.”

“Gee, Maki-chan, Nico is impressed with your detective skills. Can I go back to sleep now?”

Maki fussed. “We’ll be much weaker with a new song. And a love song? Umi practically collapsed.”

Nico chuckled. “That was funny.”

“I’m not writing a love song; it’s not my thing; I don’t kn …”

“Please don’t finish that sentence, Maki-chan. For Nico. Nico still wants to be dating someone in the morning.”

Silence but no breathing. Nico thumped her head into her pillow, frustrated at the time and Eli and Maki and ... “Maki-chan?”

Maki sounded deflated. “I’m sorry I woke you up, Nico-chan.”

Nico relaxed, maybe Maki would be calmer now. “Nico is always here if you need to talk. I can always make time to make Maki-chan smile …” Nico raised her hand to her head, “Nico Nico Ni.”

“Nico-chan.” Maki’s voice sounded scoldy, but Nico knew the other girl had at least a half smile.

“Now,” Nico picked up her phone, holding it close and making her voice sound as persuasive as she could, “if I admit I agree with you, can we both go to sleep?”

Maki’s voice cracked, hopeful. “Really?”

“Really. I don’t think forcing you or Umi to do something is the best thing to do. A-Rise is too dangerous.”

“Yeah,” Maki exhaled, actually sounding like she was relaxing. “Nico-chan?”

“Yes, Maki?”

“I’m glad we’re a team.”

“Me too.” Nico couldn’t resist a bit of a tease in her tone. “Want your amazing girlfriend, the Number One Idol in The Universe, Nico Ni to sing you a lullaby?”

A pause. “Okay.”

Nico nearly dropped the phone. Then she started the first song that came to her mind, one she’d sing with her siblings every Spring. That wasn’t the season now, but Maki wouldn’t mind.

“Sakura Sakura …”

TODOKETE

Nico’s phone buzzed. She looked over from where she was cooking. Maki.

M: What are you doing? You’re not nervous are you?

N: The Number One Idol （☆ω☆*）never gets nervous. Is Maki-chan ●︿●?

M: No ( ´ｰ`) I was worried about you. What are you doing?

Nico took a quick selfie. She was sure she looked pretty cute in her pink apron. Cute and frilly and pink. All Nico things. It would cheer Maki up.

N: Nico is being super cute while making breakfast (*｀▽´)_旦~~

M: Looks tasty (゜￢゜)

N: (♡´艸`)

M: Nico-chan, you know that was about the breakfast (¬､¬)

N: Nico only knows she’s irresistible （￣ε￣ʃƪ）

M: ┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘

N: Nico will cook for Maki-chan wearing her apron some day

M: ( ⁰д⁰)

N: Maki-chan is weird ༽つ۞﹏۞༼つ

M: But cute (▼∀▼)

N: Nico will show Maki how cute later c⌒っ╹v╹ )っ But Nico has to finish breakfast.

M: Make me breakfast sometime …

N: (ʘ言ʘ╬)

M: What?

N: (︶｡︶✽) Was Maki suggesting a sleepover?

Nico laughed at the length of the pause before Maki’s response. But the redhead did respond, which showed she was building mental fortitude. Which meant Nico could tease her about more things. Just not this morning. They both had important things to do.

M: No, I didn’t mean ...

N: Sorry. Nico knows. Nico (｀∀´)Ψ was being silly （＾ω＾）

M: (￣□￣) Oh

M: I’ll see you later (つ▀¯▀)つ

N: Yep. Nico will be there (￣▽￣)ゞ. With her biggest smile (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ*: ･ﾟ

M: d(>_･ )

Maki was glad she had no wardrobe choices to make. School uniform, coat, costumes at the dressing room. Simple.

The Nico-tone.

Nico had sent a picture of a row of snowmen.

N: Maki-chan, Cotorou made snow versions of us. They’re so cute. I’m so proud of him

<(￣︶￣)>

Maki grinned and squinted at the photo. Cotorou had made faces for each of them. Rin was easy, she had cat whiskers, but Maki wasn’t sure which one was her. She hoped there wouldn’t be a quiz.

M: They are cute.

N: Eli and Nozomi came to walk with Nico so Nico has to go. See you soon. ☆⌒ヽ(*'､^*)chu

M: ノ～ ♡

N: Nico feels warmer already （　´∀｀）

A whirl of voices, sound, people … once “Snow Halation” finished, it was like the whole of Tokyo rushed into Maki’s ears. She spotted Nico at the other end of the line, gleaming, then Maki turned to lead everyone off the stage like they’d rehearsed. Back to the dressing room. But of course, the orderly line turned into disarray once Rin leapt onto her back and ripped her hat off to toss it in the air.

“We did it, Maki-chan!”

“RIN! That hurt.” Bobby pins didn’t pull out easily, so Rin had basically ripped Maki’s hair along with the hat.

“WE DID IT!” Rin hugged her from behind as Maki continued to carry her weight. Then in an unexpected move, Rin launched herself from Maki’s back straight at Hanayo, who was approaching from the side, and Maki fell forward. Into Nico’s arms. Another surprise. Nico glowed and she hugged Maki so hard.

Maki just wanted to get away from the noise and the crowd. People suddenly pushing in. She heard Eli trying to say something and Honoka whooping and Nico was just holding her so close and so tight and …

“Maki-chan?” Nico’s voice. Maki glanced down. She thought her eyes must look wild because Nico just took her hand without saying a word and pulled her toward the building. Someone was screaming “Nico Nico Ni” and it wasn’t Nico. And then that voice was lost in a crowd chanting “Muse” and then more “Nico Nis” and lines from “Snow Halation.” and Umi stumbled by, head down, close behind a Kotori who was smiling politely at someone as she brushed by them, her elbow discretely easing her passage. Honoka seemed to be kangarooing through the crowd, Maki could see the orange hair pop up every few seconds moving away from them. Rin seemed to have actually tackled Hanayo, which might be dangerous with the crowd rushing them, but Maki thought she saw a flash of purple heading in that direction. And Maki was moving without much effort, Nico barrelling through the crowd, somehow managing to leave a wake twice her size for Maki.

And there was a wall and a door and a corner and quiet. And Maki reached out for Nico, lifting her and just holding on, heart pounding so hard from elation, fear, exertion, excitement, Nico, “Nico-chan.”

“Shush.” Maki felt Nico’s fingers in her hair. “It’s all right, Nico’s here.”

Maki lowered Nico so she could stand, but didn’t let go. Nico’s eyes were so close, so warm, so concerned, her fingers tracing lava across Maki’s scalp, her lips … Maki leaned in, her kiss a forceful surprise. Nico gasped.

Nico broke away, reluctantly it seemed to Maki, who gasped for air, head spinning. “Maki-chan, you need to breathe.”

Maki shook her head. Nico took her hand again and led the way to an empty room. Inside, Nico closed and locked the door and sat Maki down on a couch, crouching in front of the redhead and taking both her hands.

“Slow down, Maki-chan. Nico’s not going anywhere. Breathe.” Nico inhaled. When Maki still sat there, breaths too fast, Nico let her voice snap, “Breathe, Maki.”

Maki inhaled. Nico smoothed her thumb over Maki’s hand. “That’s good. Now do it again.”

Maki complied, the buzzing in her head quieting as oxygen started to return to her system.

As soon as the redhead calmed, Nico dropped down next to her, head propped on the back of the couch, one hand still tightly holding Maki’s.

“Wow.” Nico whistled.

Maki nodded.

“That was awesome.”

“Yeah.” Maki squeezed Nico’s hand, still overwhelmed.

“I’ll tell you a secret, Maki-chan.” Nico nudged Maki’s shoulder with her own, her head tilted up so Maki could see the mischief in her eyes. “Number One Idol Nico Ni never knew performing could be that much of a rush. I thought kissing Maki-chan was the only thing like that.”

And there Nico went again. Egoland. Maki felt herself stiffen as Nico laid her head on Maki’s shoulder. And Maki’s chest started to constrict again. “I’m sure the people who were Nico Ni-ing are still out there. Y … you can go sign autographs.”

Nico flipped herself so she was across Maki’s lap, and Maki tried to push herself back through the couch and the wall.

“Kissing Maki-chan is a much bigger rush.” Nico smelled like soap and sweat and fruity shampoo, and Maki could taste it, sweet, salty in the roof of her mouth, the only sweet taste she ever found herself longing for. Nico leaned forward, arms holding Maki in place, lips next to Maki’s ear. “Maki is smart and hot and the Number One Composer in the Universe, and Nico couldn’t wait to get her alone.”

Maki was dizzy again, and her arms pulled Nico in, her lips pushing against Nico’s cheek, forcing Nico to turn.

“I love you,” Nico whispered, suddenly caught by the urgency in Maki’s touches, the lunges her lips were marking on Nico’s skin.

Maki registered Nico’s mouth moving and that words had been said, words that were far away because Nico was somehow on fire with a blinding, deafening glow that could light Tokyo, and every single cell of Maki’s body had been lit by Nico’s spark, and Maki was kissing Nico and lost in every sensation and sound and pulse.

Nico’s fingers tangled in her hair, Nico’s perfect lips pursing their way down her neck with light, liquid touches, sounds in the hallway, raspy breaths Maki didn’t know were hers, Nico’s eyes as bright a heat as the lava trails melting everywhere on Maki’s skin. Bewildered and exhausted, something kept driving Maki forward, even when she felt Nico start to pull back a little.

“ONNEEE-CHAN??? OOONNEEE-CHAN, where are you?” A high, familiar voice pierced through and then the world went cold as all motion stopped, and Nico was suddenly too still, kneeling across Maki, hair messed, makeup mussed and her face …

“N...Nico-chan?” Maki’s heart pounded erratically, a cannon, she was sure Nico must be able to hear it. Nico stared, a new expression in her eyes, her mouth … Maki thought she might look amused more than sad, but somehow both were there in a mix Maki didn’t quite understand. And Nico still looked so beautiful and breathless and adult, and there was the fire and the bright and the burning and Maki was driving forward again …

And Nico dodged, hugging Maki and hiding her face in Maki’s shoulder before the redhead could kiss her again. “That’s Cocoro, Maki-chan. I have to go. I’ll see you at the party.”

“Nico …”

Nico kissed Maki quickly and then ran to the door, not looking back. As soon as she was in the hallway, Maki heard her start calling. “Cocoro? Cocoro, where did you go?”

Maki was afraid she wouldn’t be able to stand, and she began taking in huge, cool breaths. And she remembered Nico’s face and Nico saying … ”I love you?”

Everything got even colder; Maki groaned, leaning into her hands, no wonder Nico left, Maki had just … tears started, and Maki was afraid if they started she was so tired they would never stop.

“Maki-chan!” Hanayo’s voice sounded from the doorway, a friendly echo.

Maki looked up, seeing the concern on her friend’s face. “Nico said you should get changed and find your mom. I sent Rin to help Nico find her siblings.”

Maki nodded and stood. Hanayo handed her a candy bar. “Nico said to eat this. It would help.”

Maki tasted the chocolate, bitterness biting into her tongue as she followed Hanayo to the green room, still lost in a swirl of thoughts about Nico.

BREAKFAST

Maki’s heart had calmed down a little. There had been the food, all the chatter about the performance, a roaring remix of “Snow Halation” and “Jingle Bells” led by Honoka, laughing, teasing, the threatening of Umi with pillows when she decided to go upstairs, Kotori actually tossing her little yellow pillow at Umi, Umi storming off with it, Kotori squeaking and following in a panic. Then Nozomi had suggested a movie, and Rin had grabbed a BluRay, which meant that they were now watching “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” because Rin thought it looked like a sports movie. Rin had fallen asleep exhausted and bored in Hanayo’s lap, Nozomi was snuggled up against Eli, Kotori had returned 20 minutes into the movie to sit at Honoka’s feet while their leader played a game on her phone. Nico and Maki were on the couch directly opposite the screen, Nico half asleep, leaning against Maki’s shoulder. Nico hadn’t said anything about what happened after the performance, and although Maki knew Nozomi was curious, as a condition for hosting the party, Maki had banned games like Truth Or Dare.

Time travel as a cure for the embarrassments of everyday life. Maki snorted. At least this was a movie that had a real villain, the little things you do to yourself, the decisions you make that cause ripples, the things people notice you don’t want them to. Nico was snoring a little. Maki smiled and sneaked an arm around her girlfriend, Nico, the Number One Idol in the Universe, the tiny, fierce, boundlessly energetic girl who loved her. Nico, who snuggled closer. And it felt comfortable. In that moment, sudden understanding arriving, Maki knew to go back and change anything, any moment, any disappointment, any dullness, might lead to Nico not being there, next to her. Next to Maki was obviously where Nico was supposed to be, even if Maki’s left side had started to go numb and her heart hadn’t slowed down since Nico had arrived, greeted her mother with candy, and given Maki a hug that nearly lifted the redhead off her feet. Not a bad way to start a party. Since then, Nico had been bouncing around whatever room they were in, always making eye contact and smiling, and sometimes, just briefly, wrapping an arm around Maki’s waist, occasionally whispering a joke in Maki’s ear. It had been fun swirl. Maki, Eli, Hanayo and Kotori had played a few hands of Hachi-Hachi, the others had switched between racing and party videogames and teasing the card players.

Nothing since Honoka had burst into the music room last Spring had been what Maki expected, and everything was exactly as it should be. And she loved Nico. Maki sighed and Nozomi glanced at her, but Maki just smiled back at Nozomi’s inquisitive eyebrow quirking. And then Eli distracted Nozomi by whispering something into her hair. Which let Maki go back to the serious problem of how was she going to tell Nico. Not even Rin would suggest texting, Maki thought with a giggle as she rose and gently slid Nico flat on the couch to continue sleeping while Maki stretched her legs and grabbed more food. Performing was hungry work. So was thinking.

Hmmmm … warm food sounded good, maybe there was something microwaveable. Maki opened a random cabinet and recognized nothing in it. So she picked up a few jars for a closer look … ah, spices, maybe flour? Not microwaveable.

“Maki-chan?” Nico sounded sleepy. And adorable. And Maki turned and once again felt too tall and awkward and underdressed and unprepared and …

“Let Nico cook.” Nico shuffled into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes fully open. “It got cold when you left.” Nico opened the cabinet Maki had just shut. “Was Maki going to bake something?”

“N … No.” Nico pushed Maki toward a stool, yawning. “I was just looking for something to microwave.”

“Does your mom have any leftover rice?” Nico stretched toward a lower cabinet, finding the pots.

Maki shrugged. “There might be instant somewhere.”

Nico muttered something that might have been “personal chef.” but Maki was too busy watching Nico look more comfortable in her kitchen in less than a minute than she had ever been in 15 years to respond.

Nico opened the refrigerator and whistled. “Oh, I want to raid your fridge every day.” Nico took out eggs, put them on the island in front of Maki, then turned to the stove, examining it, running a hand over the spotless stainless steel. There were soft, cooing noises. Maki felt her jaw harden. Nico needed to pay that much attention to her. To touch her. To trail her fingers along Maki’s arm. To whisper small, soft noises.

“I love you, Nico,” Maki blurted, too loud, suddenly desperate for Nico’s attention, nerves jangling like wires in a storm.

Nico stopped for a moment, completely still. Then she exploded into a spin, hands ending up on her hips, head cocked at an aggressive angle.

“You don’t have to say that. Nico will cook for you just to use this kitchen, you know.” Nico’s wink was smug. Maki knew Nico had no intention of making things easy for Maki, which was a challenge the redhead was more than ready to rise to. She reached out and grabbed Nico, yanking the smaller girl toward her as she stood. A kiss to start. Lingering. Passionate. Nico melting against her lips.

Less blaring, but more serious. “I love you, Nico.”

“Good.” Nico’s next kiss was quick. “But Nico knew.”

Maki ignored Nico’s teasing as a string of tempos suddenly reminded her of their existence. Pizzicato. Accelerando. Little plucking kisses gradually become deeper pouncing kisses, Nico slowly pulling closer, her hands sliding up into Maki’s hair, her fingers …

“Nico-chan’s making us breakfast. Yeah, Nico-chan,” Rin bounded into the room, actually bumping into Maki. Nico’s hands fell away, landing on Maki’s shoulders.

Maki growled and pushed her forehead against Nico’s, their eyes locked while Nico giggled, hand over her lips, eyes sparking. Maki shook her head at Nico, turned to a cabinet, took out a bowl, slammed it down on the island, opened another cabinet, took out a box of cereal, a very sensible cereal, full of fiber and disapproval, and threw the box at Rin’s head.

“Nico-chan is only making breakfast for me.” Maki loomed, Nico peeking out behind her, arms around Maki’s waist.

“Maki-chan,” Rin whined, rubbing her cheek where the box had hit her. “This is boring cereal. I want …”

“Go away, Rin. Now.” Maki’s growl lowered, and she turned back to Nico.

“Looks like Maki’s got someone to interrupt her too,” Nico chirped, “Better get used to it.”

“No.”

Snow had lingered, and another inch dropped. A breathtaking scene as Maki took it in from the window facing the back yard. Maybe there would be snow in the mountains for Christmas. Santa would probably like that.

Nico and Umi had to be home fairly early, so everyone had gotten up and changed, charging through the breakfast buffet the chef had created. Maki had settled for cereal, wanting to savor the memory of the omelet rice Nico had made her last night. Nico had woken up peppy, dragging a mostly asleep Maki downstairs so they could have a few minutes before everyone else finished dressing. Nico had grabbed Maki’s iPod and put on BoA’s “Spark” to show off a few dance moves. Maki woke up immediately, excited by Nico’s enthusiasm, and interrupted Nico’s demonstration with a hug, pulling them both into the couch, and falling asleep again with Nico clasped in her arms until Rin charged in.

“Come on, Nico-chan, Maki-chan, you’re missing breakfast!”

Nico stood, Maki half propped on her back.

“Nya, Nico-chan is strong,” Rin yelled. “Yippee. Carry me too!” And Rin ran to pile on Maki’s back.

“RIN, NO!” Nico and Maki shouted at the same time, but they still ended up on the floor, tangled up in Rin.

After surviving Rin and Honoka stealing part of her sparse breakfast so the ginger could mix every cereal the Nishikinos had in their house -- seven -- and Honoka put them in the popcorn bowl, with cafe au lait, and with everyone gathering in front of the house, ready to leave, Maki pulled Nico back in for a minute, as the rest said their goodbyes outside. Nico was so beautiful, so graceful, so bright, and Maki wanted to spend a whole day watching her do everything. Nico stood there, so close, head tilted up, lips perfect and pursed, amused, one hand on Maki’s arm, sparkling ruby eyes warm and loving and full of such calm wonder that Maki’s heart soared like Nico had strapped a jetpack to it. Tomorrow, Maki would go back to being Nishikino Maki, first year, awkward, grumpy, bored and easily embarrassed, but today, today the Number One GIrlfriend in the Universe thought Maki was smart and hot and the Number One Composer in the Universe. And there was time for one more kiss.

#nicomaki #fanfic #love live #snow halation #rinpana #yazawa nico #nishikino maki #1KissAU #The Dance #Part 2 #1Kiss

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