#( ๑‾̀◡‾́)σ and also fall colors

[pixiedust-poppers]

Warm

[lonelypond]

Can’t Get Started, Chapter 6

NicoMaki, Love Live, 4.4K, 6/6

Summary: After jail and the worst bachelorette party ever, Maki is sick. And in a mood. How will this affect her almost a relationship with Nico?

CHAPTER SIX

Maki felt pale. She’d been standing next to Rin, trying not to fidget with the ring, and focus on what the officiant was saying so she didn’t miss her cue. Between that and forcing herself not to keep glancing where Nico was sitting next to the newly introduced, very loud, very intrusive Nozomi, Maki had managed to get through the ceremony and smile when Rin and Hanayo had just gleamed at other when they were pronounced wife and wife.

But now she was actually feeliing ill, clammy, and...Hanayo had also started looking paler than usual. Maybe it was just the hangover, or maybe they both had nerves. Maki still had a speech to give, now that they were at the reception. Yes, it was going to be short and Maki had written it down and rehearsed in advance, but she still had to stand up, in front of half of Chicago, with Rin giggling at her, and say the words. Maki started to sway and grabbed the bathroom sink for support. It was a nice sink, very gleaming, and Maki could see her face reflected, which was a mistake because she looked like…

“Maki?” The door opened and Nico sounded concerned.

Not now, not Nico, this was not good. “Go away, I’ll be just a minute.” Maki croaked.

“You sound terrible. And you kept getting paler and paler.”

Then Nico was there, her hand on Maki’s arm, spinning the Maki to face her. It was the spinning that did it, Maki decided, the world had been almost swaying, and now it was actually swaying and if she didn’t do something she was going to throw up on Yazawa Nico’s super stylish designer dress.

And then she did.

Of the bathrooms, Maki had met Nico in this was probably the second best. Maki liked the cozy sofas and the warm colors. It was surely comforting Nico as Maki threw up, her head throbbing in a way that didn’t spell hangover. No, fever, chills, hours after exposure...this was more like food poisoning. Maki had a sudden vision of poultry wandering across the stage at the Blue Zoo and someone’s pet turtle backstage and groaned. Why hadn’t she thrown up on Hanayo’s dress. Why wasn’t Hanayo or Kotori right here with her?

“Maki?” Nico knocked on the closed door.

“”Sokay. I’m almost out of things to lose.”

Nico laughed, but it was a careful, quiet laugh, “It’s good to keep your sense of humor.”

Maki groaned again. Stomach cramps. “I think it’s food poisoning.”

“Oh.” Nico said, and Maki could hear her pull out her phone. “Do you need water or ginger tea or…?”

Maki shook her head. Nothing else was going in her stomach for at least the rest of the day.

“Maki?”

“No, I’m…” pause for retching noise, “okay.”

Nico sighed, “Do I call us an ambulance or a cab?”

The main bathroom door opened and there was another voice, “Maki, are you in here? Rin’s looking for you and someone said you looked ill.”

“Mama?”

Yazawa Nico turned. Maki had pointed out her parents when they’d arrived but there hadn’t been any time for a real introduction. Maki’s mother didn’t look old enough to be Maki’s mother, not that Nico would be gross and cliche about complimenting her by saying that. Nico was familiar enough with concerned mothers to go right to facts.

“Hi, I’m Yazawa Nico. Maki thinks she has food poisoning.”

Nico appreciated the questioning tilt of the maternal Nishikino’s eyebrow. Maki had certainly inherited the patrician hauteur and flawless skin.

“I’m all right, Mama.”

“Obviously, you are not, or your girlfriend wouldn’t be looking so worried.”

Well, at least Nico didn’t have to explain that part.

“Let’s take you home.”

“My home is in LA, Mama.” Stubborness managed to add some energy to Maki’s voice. “Nico and I were going to….”

“We were planning to watch a movie or something after the wedding. Nico has an early flight.”

“She’s going on location for a movie.” Maki croaked.

Maki’s mom seemed mostly bemused as Nico stood there, unsure of what to say. But the elder Nishikino was insistent about her plan. “I can have the driver take you and Nico to the house. We have movies there.”

Maki realized she didn’t have enough energy to win this argument with her mother. Surprisingly, Nico had been quiet.

“What about Nozomi, Nico?” Maki flopped between remembering random details and dizzying wooziness.

Nico shrugged, “She crashed the wedding on her own, she can get home on her own. Not a Nico problem. I’m worried about you. I think your mother’s right.”

Maki’s mother nodded, “I’ll text the driver. Maki, Nico can ride home with you and I’ll tell Rin and Hanayo what’s going on.”

“Thanks, Mama.”

“We can talk properly later, Nico. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Maki’s mom was focused on her phone, texting orders.

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you.” Nico turned back to the bathroom door, “Maki, I’m going to grab our coats and I’ll be right back. I don’t want you to get cold.”

“Okay, Nico.” Maki forced cheerfulness into her reply.

Maki’s mom watched as Nico bopped out of the bathroom “So that’s the famous movie star girlfriend. She’s pretty. Not as much makeup as I expected.”

Maki groaned. “Not now, Mama, please.”

“So did you stay at her hotel last night?” A sharp question.

Maki actually found herself willing the waves of nausea to come back so she’d have a legit reason not to answer questions. Moving to LA had allowed her to avoid in person parental dating advice. She couldn’t wait to get back.

###

Maki’s phone went off. Nico’s ringtone. Maki smiled and reached an arm out from under the blanket she was curled up in, watching the latest in the Street Drift series, Street Drift: Neon, one of Nico’s action films. No kissing, just Nico on the run from the top secret government agency she used to work for. Sure, Maki had looped the tank top, torn tuxedo, and sports car scene a few too many times, but she was probably still feverish and not really making good decisions. And Nico and the sleek car against the backdrop of wet urban neon was making her fingers itch for her mini keyboard so she could lay down some riffs….maybe Honoka could find someone to animate a short and get Nico to do the voice. That might work as a collaboration. Maki preferred to have her inspirations close. And it was always so strange to be so deep in a project and talk to people outside of it, who had no idea what images and sounds filled up Maki’s mental space. And then maybe she and Nico could actually spend some time together, unlike this week, when Maki had spent 3 days on her parent’s couch and Nico had spent 3 days off the grid, away from her phone. Actually Nico’s phone had been spending time with Cocoro, as Maki had called a couple of times and gotten a crisp “Nico is on set and unavailable” as a response.

The NicoTone went off again. Maki shook her head, paused the movie, and checked her messages.

N: Hey, Gorgeous (o˚̑̑̑̑̑ 3˚̑̑̑̑̑ o) Nico is exhausted, but wanted to see how you were.

M: Still feverish.

N: ଽ ૮( ⁰▱๋⁰ )ა Is someone feeding you soup?

M: Mama had the chef make a bunch. It’s been nice.

N: What’s your favorite soup?

M: Tomato…

N: Like bisque?

M: Sure. Whatever, as long as there’s tomato.

N: Σ(-᷅_-᷄๑) Nico would make you minestrone. Lots of vegetables and vitamins.

Maki leaned back, imagining how it would smell. She really needed a shower. It was good that they weren’t video chatting. Her hair was a disaster. She rubbed her face. Nope. Text chat only. For at least a week.

N: Did you fall asleep on Nico?

M: No, but I wouldn’t mind…

M: But…

N: But?

M: After I threw up on you, you’re probably just seeing me as sick…(≥_<)

Maki paused. She’d been thinking about this a lot. They had had hardly any time for any kind of date, and now Nico barely had time for text conversations. It seemed like their relationship was as worn thin as she was, curled up in the corner of a couch, not sure when things would feel better. Or normal. There had never been a normal.

N: What do you mean?

M: I mean we haven’t had any time for any real dates. And I keep doing awkward, unattractive things.

N: You enjoyed the movie. And you obviously can’t help falling for Nico♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)

Maki understood that Nico was trying to keep the tone light, but most of their encounters had not been wins from Maki’s perspective.

M: Yeah, but…

M: I just don’t feel like a priority.

Maki’s phone rang and she jumped.

“Hello?” Maki squeaked.

Nico sounded brusque, “I’m sorry I can’t be there right now, Maki, and that I had to leave so quickly, but this job was planned for 8 months.”

“I know, Nico.” Maki sighed, feeling the tears, “I’m just tired, and...well, this week has been a fiasco.”

Nico chuckled, “Have you talked to Hanayo yet?”

“Is it 2025?” Maki was still furious about Hanayo’s behavior when introduced to Kotori’s burlesque crowd friends. The morning after the reception, Rin and Hanayo had flown to Tokyo for their honeymoon and Maki had been ignoring Rin’s texts and Rin was too busy slurping ramen on the food tour Maki had set up as a wedding present to care much.

The silence was awkward and fatigue and frustration were tag teaming Maki.

She took a deep breath and spoke clearly, "Hey, Nico, can we talk some other time. I'm not feeling well."

"Um...sure, it's late. Nico just wanted to see how you were doing."

Maki felt herself shrug and more tears, but she fought to keep her voice clear, "Thanks. Have a good shoot."

"Get some rest." Nico sounded worried, "Everything'll seem better in the morning."

"Sure. Good night, Nico." Maki yawned. That was a safe, emotion camouflaging gesture.

"Good night, Maki."

Maki knew Nico wanted to say more. But she didn’t want to hear more. Maki dropped the phone into the couch and pulled the blanket over her head. She wanted to go back home, have enough energy to sit at her piano, and play until Umi came by with her favorite takeout. But first she had to be able to sit through a flight. Maybe tomorrow would be better.

The NicoTone. A text. Maki let the throw fall over her face. Polite took energy. Waiting took energy. Maki had none left for making anybody else feel better.

###

For anyone other than Umi, Maki would have skipped the premiere. She refused to let Kotoi dress her, opting instead for one of her favorite long coats, a repurposed vintage purple arrow feather kimono over tuxedo pants and an open collar Irish linen shirt. Comfortable for Maki, but not even hinting approach me to anyone else. Umi was nervous, but thrilled by the movie's reception and incredibly happy to be in a sweeping blue gown Kotori had personally sewn for her, Honoka hovering over the two in a bright blue tuxedo that would have looked 80’s high school on anyone else. And now it was over, Umi was being dragged by friends and colleagues to a celebratory party and Maki had ducked out after the movie was over. Gino’s East. Quiet table in the back. Deep dish, Chicago style, reminding her of the days before Hollywood red carpets and a Nico too busy to be in town. She’d ordered ahead, to cut down on the wait time, and grabbing a beer at the bar to announce her arrival, she slid into her seat. She’d posted a going to Gino’s East TWIG post from the theater so Rin would be jealous.

The pizza slid in front of her, the basil, tomato, and cheese blend aromatic and tempting. Maki glanced up, ready to smile at the waitress, and froze as she stared into worried ruby eyes. Then a glittering grin took over as Nico winked, “It’s almost as hot as Nico. Almost as heavy too.” Nico flexed her arm, her black and orange sleeved Tsumori Chisato varsity jacket adding to the hanging out after a game feel. Maki suddenly felt like she was back in high school, having a congratulatory pizza after Rin won another state championship.

“What...why...how?”

“Nico TWIG stalks all the hot composers she’s dating. I was going to crash the after party but you went…” Nico waved her arms in a why here gesture. "How does this work, Is it like a pancake stack of pizzas?” Nico slid into the chair opposite Maki, poking the pizza with the serving knife, which Maki quickly grabbed.

“No. And you’re in Toronto?”

Nico shook her head, “Got a weekend off. Talked them into rewriting a few scenes, swore I’d work better faster stronger if they let me go home for a weekend.” Nico opened the jacket, revealing the sporty black dress with a central band of thin vertical stripes, light blue sandwiching red and white.

Maki shrugged, cut the pizza, took a pause to appreciate the long, rubbery, streaming, steaming strings of mozzarella that draped as she lifted the slice to a plate, then scraped the pizza free.

When she put the blade down, Nico spoke again. “So how are you? I’ve been missing your texts. That’s a lovely coat. Did Kotori make it?”

“No.” Maki snorted, “Kotori wanted me in some red velvet alarm of a dress with barely any…” Maki gestured at her breasts. “I’ve seen where she gets some of her ideas and I’m not in the mood. I might never be in the mood.” Maki took a bite, sighed happily, then swallowed and frowned, “I text you.”

Nico slid her phone out of her pocket and read in a sing song voice, “Hi, Nico. It’s raining here. Hi, Nico, the plane landed. Hi, Nico, Umi’s premiere is tonight, couldn’t you crash and let me spill something all over you so we have to leave and make out, and I hate the dress Kotori’s trying to slither me into.” Nico’s face made a mockery of a Scream face, “Oh wait, Nico, didn’t get that last one. It had personality. Nothing you’ve sent for the past week has had any…” Nico pursed her lips and then “POP. No pizzaz. No pizza.” Nico poked the pie with a finger.

“I wouldn’t have texted you that.” Maki took another bite and then after Nico kept staring, spoke again, “I had nothing to say.

Nico actually sounded quiet, “Nico looked forward to your texts at the end of too many hours on set.”

“Cocoro never let me talk to you.”

“Cocoro didn’t even get to talk to me. It’s a period piece. Phones stay in the trailers. We are not having one of those 'ooh, what idiot left the RedBull on the set' moments. A three PA team checks everyone. Craft services is half a mile away from the set.” Nico shook her head, and Maki noticed how little makeup the movie star was wearing and how dark the circles under her eyes were, “Nico is exhausted.”

“It’s contagious.” Maki stared at the wall, only watching Nico out of the corner of her eye.

Nico glancd at her smart watch, “It’s been five minutes, something should have been spilled on Nico by now. Who are you?”

That got Maki to glare directly at Nico, then she started rolling her beer bottle on its bottom, “So this is predictable for you, huh. To the minute?”

Nico snorted, “So not that, Nishikino. Or Nico wouldn’t have walked off the set.”

“If you walked off my set, I’d…”

“You’d what?”

There was a long pause, Maki not making eye contact, finger tapping the table, beer bottle nearly spinning on its own, then almost a whisper, “Fire you.”

Nico inhaled, nodding as if confirming something important, “Nico is not going anywhere until you agree to a few things.”

“Like what?”

“A wedding date.”

Maki had been increasing the velocity of the beer bottle twirl and it suddenly spun out of her control, bouncing on the table top, rolling to the edge, and falling into her lap.

“And we have a spill.” Nico did a quick drum cadence.

Maki stood, fuming, then hopping as the beer bottle dropped to the floor and she had to sidestep to avoid landing on it, “So this is funny?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” Maki arched an eyebrow, certain Nico had no good response.

“Because you, Nishikino Maki, are perfect. Perfectly unpredicatable, perfectly funny, perfectly on pitch, perfectly charming, perfectly gorgeous, perfectly grumpy, perfect with every outfit Nico owns, perfect for Nico’s family photo albums, today and tomorrow.” Nico stooped, put the bottle on the table, pulled herself up with Maki’s hand, “Now let’s go make sure that lovely coat doesn’t get stained.”

Maki crossed her arms, “You just want to make out.”

“Yes, I do.” Nico leaned back against the table, hands behind her, ruby eyes not leaving Maki’s as she considered the question, her not for the public half smile a serious study in mischief and longing. “Don’t you?”

Maybe if Maki hadn’t brought up the making out she could have said no, but there were too many near brushes and not enough moments and all those nights spent staring at Nico’s sexy selfies wondering what Nico would want to do if Maki had sent one back. And, Maki found herself smiling, being both grateful and a little confused about Nico’s patience with flirty chair fabric pics.

“Ah, Nico’s in your head,” Nico raised her hand to her temple, “And Nico’s winning.”

“Hmmph.” Maki twisted the smile into a snarl, trying for tempestuous. “Am I a prize to you?”

Nico shook her head, waggling a finger. “Silly Maki, that’s a stupid question. Nico will grant you one do over.”

Fuck it. Irritated and needing to do SOMETHING, Maki reached out, grabbed the front of Nico’s designer varsity jacket, zipper halves grinding into her palms and pulled the tantalizingly troublesome temptation in for a resounding kiss. Maki’s heart pounded so hard that her eardrums were mini tympanis and her lips slammed into Nico’s, followed by the rest of her, and Nico nearly slid back into the pizza. A hand on Maki’s shoulder pushed gently and Maki pulled back.

A long moment with sizzling air between them, then Nico whispered, “Let’s go home."

And Maki let Nico take her by the hand, and there was a cab waiting, more kissing, gentle, swooning surges, they were in Nico’s apartment, and then time started for Maki again.

“Hey Nico?” They were on the couch, Nico tenderly kissing her way up Maki’s neck.

“Hmmm….”

“Can we work together?”

“What?” Puzzled, Nico stopped, head tilted as she stared at Maki, “Is Nico boring you?”

“No, no…” Maki was nervous, her skin was tingling, she wanted Nico to keep going, but...Maki slid back down the couch, pulling up her legs as a barricade. “I want this…” She could feel the blush, but she forced herself not to look away from Nico, “I want, I’ve wanted you...so much….”

Nico decided this was a good time to start crawling down the couch toward Maki and Maki could feel herself getting frantic with some weird version of panic and the urge to explain her idea for an animation to Nico.

“I just thought...I was watching Street Drift Neon and I could see it, jazzy rainy neon streets, the sexiest car, a character who looks just enough like you stepping out of the snazzy sexy car, animated, did I say animated, all rain and jazz and sex and sax...we could make it together...and I...I...I don’t want you to leave….”

Nico sat up, running her hands through her hair and Maki watched fascinated as the sable hairs fell like arcs of midnight neon shadowing the soft candlelight, then Nico settled back onto her legs, reached out and took both of Maki’s hands, “I’m taking you with me.”

“Really?” Maki let herself lean forward.

“Really.” Nico’s face, always a study in nuance, was now carved in bold determination, “Whatever you want. Vacation, honeymoon, working on a project together when Nico has breaks. Whatever you want, Nishikino Maki, because Nico wants you.”

Maki could feel her breathing even out. Nico was sitting so calmly and her voice was as soft and bright and warm as the flames on the table next to them. And Nico’s hand was sliding up the curve of Maki’s hip and Maki felt herself relax into the touch suddenly, surprised at how Nico’s eyes widened. And then they were so close and Maki’s gaze was snared by jeweled brilliance and her nose tapped Nico’s and their laughter merged and Maki licked her lips and Nico couldn’t stop glancing down and Maki opened her mouth as Nico’s breath rushed out, pleading “Maki’ and then lips brushed curved crushed against lips, everything suddenly bright, breathless, and breaking, Maki slipping back, Nico’s hands, soft skin against the tightness of tense muscles, stroking Maki’s sides, as Maki pushed back and up, hands and legs reaching for something, anything to grasp, to pull, to tear, Nico whispering, licking around Maki’s ear, each stroke tender, yet Maki was crazed with need. Her head thrashed, startling Nico, who moved back to lips, kissing, solid, as fingers teased Maki’s neck, barely touching skin, skimming hairs, and Maki thrashed up, half sitting, with a feral whine.

And then Nico stopped and Maki suddenly fearful and cold, froze. But before the mood broke, Nico was nipping at Maki’s neck, one hand in Maki’s hair, and the other sliding down Maki’s abs, slipping down her pants, when had that become undone, and how was Nico and then teeth pulling on Maki’s earlobe and Nico had all her attention back, “Don’t you want Nico?”

Maki wanted to scream, but Nico’s fingers were scrambling any words into inarticulate sounds.

“Maki?” Softer, hands slowing slightly. Nico was sure of her answer, but this time, this first touch, this first trust…

Maki turned her head so she could smile at Nico, her arms pulling the tiny woman close enough that her every breath and pulse answered Nico’s question. And then, in a moment Nico was sure she would remember every day after, candlelight flickering shadows and brightness across Maki’s face, trust and need and reflected flames a dream kaleidoscope, while Maki’s voice, suddenly sultry, whispered a “yes” that Nico felt refuel her, rocketing her through anything familiar to a new stratosphere, an infinity where Maki melting into incandescence exploded into endless scattering stars.

###

The door to the bathroom banged open, and Maki stormed through, nervous and shouty, “I can’t do this Nico, it’s too much and Cocoro keeps giving me public speaking tips.”

Nico grinned and looked down at the bundle nuzzling into her, “And this is how I met your Mama, right here, but Nico was the one nervous about a speech.” Then Nico winked at Maki, “Dia hasn’t spilled anything on me yet.”

Maki flopped into the chair next to Nico, hand picking at the fabric nervously, “Give her time.”

“I will.” Nico rocked their daughter gently, but Dia had reached the fussy stage of hungry. “But until then, you still manage it quite often.”

Maki snorted, “I think you pay waiters to sneak up behind me. I’m going to have Honoka take pictures next time.”

“There will never be proof.” Nico stated proudly.

“Not unless I get Cocoro on my side.”

Nico giggled, “Good luck with that, Princess.”

Maki leaned over and nudged Nico, “I can be charming. Plus, she adores Dia.”

“Everyone adores Dia. Dia is adorable. Like her Mama.” Nico gleamed at her gorgeous wife, dressed in a new Minami design, a classic toga drape in black and white mottled pattern, with easy access so 2 month old Dia could feed. “And hungry.”

Maki took their daughter, hands sure and gentle, amethyst eyes warm with tender devotion, “Hello Dia, Mama missed you.”

Nico sat quiet, entranced by Maki’s open affection for their firstborn. She felt like buying this hotel so they could have Dia’s first birthday here and Dia’s elementary school graduation and Dia’s prom and Dia’s wedding and she and Maki could meet here as their daughter and family grew and talk about how one encounter had changed so much of their expected futures. One wonderful encounter. Joining their paths together. And their perfect daughter was the first dividend.

Nico leaned over, kissing Maki’s cheek, “Thank you.”

Maki raised an eyebrow, “For?”

“Spilling everything on Nico.”

Maki winked, “It wasn’t easy, you’re not the biggest target.”

“HEY!”

Maki leaned in and kissed Nico soundly, “You’re magnetic.”

“You’re mesmerizing.”

The door slammed open, “Maki, if you can manage a simple visualization excercise, you might not completely fail…”

Maki leaned back with an eye roll as her nemesis stomped up to her.

Nico bounced up, “Cocoro, why don’t you take Nico’s camera and go set up so you can video Maki’s speech while Nico holds Dia.”

Cocoro paused to frown at Maki, then nodded at Nico, “Okay, sis. Blooper footage is a good idea. I could use a laugh.”

“HEY!” Maki half rose, but Dia cried out and Maki sat back down, “Shush, it’s all right, Mama’s not going to fire your aunt.” Because Nico won’t let me, Maki added in her head, but Dia didn’t need to know that.

Nico’s arms were around Maki, “You can’t fire her.”

“I know.”

“But I’m giving her a month off. And a trip to Tokyo.”

“Really?”

“Really. It’s your anniversary present. You and me and Dia and the cabin. No work, no interruptions. You can play piano all night long if you want, Nico will cook, we can teach Dia the constellations, and then everybody can come visit the new princess in April.”

Nico could feel Maki relax. Awards season, an acclaimed movie in Slide In Through My Window, and a newborn had been an exhausting mix, and Nico wanted to spoil her wife and daughter.

Maki sounded hesitant, “So can I practice my speech?”

“Okay.” Nico released her wife, scooted to a seat opposite, stretched her arms out in front of her, sat, leaned forward, slammed her hands into her knees, the picture of alert attention, and winked at Maki, remembering Maki doing the same for her, “Go.”

A/N: 'S done. So much has happened since I started this. And that continues. So stay safe, take care, and I hope you enjoyed this bit of fluff.