#Baby Dia

[lonelypond]

Idol Protection Program: Five Times Maki Kissed Nico Under The Mistletoe (and the one time she couldn't)

NicoMaki, Love Live, 2.3K, 1/1

Summary: Five Times Maki Kissed Nico Under The Mistletoe (and the one time she didn't)

1. Tokyo Regionals

Honoka was on the way. She, Kotori, and Umi were going to make it. Snow couldn’t stop them, not with the whole school actively helping them, rooting Muse on. The six at the venue had put their coats back on, eager for the sight of their leader, rushing out of the green room. Nico felt something pulling her back. Maki. Nervous.

“It’ll be okay, Maki-chan.”

“That’s not what…”

Nico rolled her eyes, “Nico knows A-Rise are our rivals and Nico can’t be a fan. I get it Maki-chan.”

“No.” Maki stepped close, very tall. “That’s not…” Huge inhale, then Maki pointed up, at the door frame over their heads. Nico spotted a clump of green.

“You’re the cutest, Nico-chan.” Rushed out of Maki’s mouth as she pressed a light, quick kiss on Nico’s cheek, rushing down the hall, buttoning up her coat, leaving Nico to stare after her, open mouthed.

2. Nico’s First Day As An Idol

The contract had been signed. A small production company, former school idols who loved Nico’s energy and found her “spunk” invigorating when she argued for what she wanted in a contract, including dropping the “no dating” clause. Nico wouldn’t be getting any money until concert and album sales started, probably six months from now, but Nico had never been in the Idol business for the money. Sure, if she could make enough so Maki would never have to worry about her family cutting her off, that would be great. Nico knew she was a hard worker, that was her best selling point, and Nico was determined that her hard work would pay off. Now, she had some celebrating to do.

She stepped outside the offices and turned toward the train stop when she heard someone yelling her name, “Nico-chan, Nico-chan, wait!!!”

Nico spun, surprised to see Maki running toward her. Maki was supposed to be at cram school. Had something happened.

“Hanayo said they signed you.” Maki had a huge grin on her face.

Hanayo had probably found out before Nico had.

“Yeah,” Nico felt herself puff up with earned pride, “Nico got nearly everything we wanted. Your lawyers gave Nico really good notes.”

“I’m so glad.” Maki pulled Nico into a hug, spinning, Nico could feel how rapidly Maki’s heart was beating. Then Maki jumped back, hands held out wide. “Can we do this?”

“Yes.”

Maki nodded happily, her blush starting, fingers finding curls to twirl under the dark green hat embroidered with bright green leaves and words in the same color she was wearing

“That’s new. What’s it say?”

Maki’s eyes sparkled, as she leaned down, “Come closer and read it.”

Nico did.

“Mistletoe: Kiss Below.”

“That’s a pretty bold ask, Maki-chan. It’s still November.”

“Mistletoe is mistletoe. I don’t make the rules.” The prettiest eyes sparkled at Nico, eager to see what the now official idol would do next.”

“Next year, you’ll be dressed as mistletoe for Halloween.”

“Ooh, good idea, Nico-chan.”

“No.” Fast as a flash of lightning, Nico stepped in, stood on tippytoe, crashed her lips into Maki’s, and grabbed the hat off Maki’s head.

“Hey!” Maki blinked madly, confused by Nico’s quick actions.

“Nico is confiscating this.” Nico shoved the hat in her coat pocket.

“Why, Nico-chan?” Maki asked angrily.

“So no one else has an excuse to do this.” Nico pulled Maki back into an alley, out of the stream of people, and the second kiss lingered, Maki speechless as Nico pulled away.

“Nico thinks we should get takeout to celebrate. Are your parents home?”

“No.”

“Good.”

3. Nico’s First International Tour

“Nico-chan, Nico-chan…wake up.”

Nico groaned. Maki wasn’t a morning person, so what was this about? Oh wait, it was Christmas morning wasn’t it? Maki was a Christmas morning person. Good thing Nico had set it up with the concierge to sneak in and do the Santa thing at dawn because Nico had been enjoying the reward of sound sleep that comes with blissful exhaustion.

Nico opened her eyes. “I like you better when you’re in caffeine withdrawal.”

“Liar.”

Maki was practically bouncing. And holding something over their heads. Green, leaves, clump of…Nico groaned.

“Nico knows you didn’t have that when we made it to the bed last night.” Nico reached out a hand to tickle Maki, “Nico checked everywhere.”

“Mistletoe magic.” Maki leaned down, perfect lips glowing.

“Nico needs…”

Maki’s lips scattered all Nico’s thoughts as they carefully matched every nerve of Nico’s with a soft pressure that would drive Nico batty if she didn’t get a chance to surge forward, pick up the pace, reach out and pull Maki into a deeper kiss.

“Merry Christmas, Nico-chan” sounded best smashed out between passionate breaths. Nico knew that now.

4. Nico’s SOLD OUT South American Tour

“NICO-CHAN, WAIT!!!!”

Nico knew that voice. What was it doing in Seoul? She glanced to the left, watching a completely flustered Nishikino Maki running through Incheon Airport at top speed toward her. Nico reached out her arms, catching the redhead and pulling her close.

“What are you doing here, Maki-chan? Don’t you have finals or something.”

“Don’t care.” Amethyst eyes were wet. All those tears that had waited until after video calls to fall were now dropping on Nico’s shoulder, smearing her makeup, drawing the attention of crowds.

“C’mon, Maki-chan.” Nico took Maki’s hand in hers, pulling her along to the Korean Air First Class Lounge. It was a small lounge, but there was seating and privacy shields, and Nico had already had one flight delay. Maki was keeping very close on Nico’s heel, head down, hands wiping away tears. Nico got them in easily enough, stashed her luggage in a locker, and decided on a daybed, settling down and encouraging Maki to curl up in her arms. Maki immediately snuggled, head on Nico’s shoulder, face hidden.

“‘M sorry Nico-chan.”

“For missing Nico. You don’t have to be sorry. Nico misses you.”

Every time Nico left on tour and Maki couldn’t come, Nico had this impossible urge to just wrap Maki up in a blanket and tuck her in with the luggage, leaving a robot or something to take Maki’s classes and family obligations.

“It’s just Christmas and you’ll be gone…”

Nico sighed. That had been unavoidable. And Argentina was too far away for Maki to fly in for the day. And they’d both been ignoring how miserable it was going to make them feel.

“Nico will make it up to you.”

More crying, sobbing. Maki must be exhausted.

“You’re going with your parents, right?”

Maki shook her head, “Staying in Tokyo.”

“Go stay with my mom and the kids. You can cheer each other up.”

“I can’t…”

“You’re family, Maki-chan. The cutest Yazawa…and that’s saying a lot.”

Maki laughed, finally sitting up, wiping more liquids off her face. “I’m a mess.”

“You’re a beautiful mess.”

“You’re so comforting, Nico-chan.” Maki’s voice had some snap back. Nico was glad.

“Now, tell Nico why you flew to Korea?”

Maki blushed red, mumbled something, and pushed her face into Nico’s chest.

“Maki-chan?” Nico wheedled, her hands threatening to poke Maki in the side.

“It’s silly.”

“Not if it upsets you.”

“We haven’t…” Maki twirled a curl frantically.

“We haven’t what? You have to be clearer, Maki-chan. Nico doesn’t have time to guess.”

Still muttering, not making eye contact, Maki reached into a pocket and Nico glimpsed a clump of green leaves. Her hand grabbed them and she held the mistletoe between them.

“DId you smuggle this on a plane?”

Maki nodded.

“To kiss Nico under.”

Maki winced.

“Nico would kiss you without salad.”

“It’s not salad, it’s poisonous.”

“Nico knows.”

“We always kiss under it, every year, Nico-chan.” The tears were going to start again.

Maki was still so…Maki, Nico realized, with an innate naivety that bolstered her natural charm and protected her heart, the heart that Nico had sworn to safeguard.

“Well, Nico’s going to make it enough kisses to keep you warm ‘til New Year’s.”

For New Year’s Maki would be flying to Rio to join the tour.

“Promise.”

“Promise.”

5. One Month Before Maki’s Due Date

Nico prided herself on infinite energy. Nico could do anything. One Nico Ni had enough energy to spin the world on its axis, give the sun an energy boost. But Nico was dragging. Worrying over an increasingly emotional pregnant Maki, getting closer and closer to the delivery day, EVERYONE giving both of them advice on what to expect, calling at all hours, dropping off presents. Nico was grateful, but Nico was becoming an introvert, unwilling to leave the side of her pregnant wife. But Maki had the oddest cravings and while Nico was happy to cook, Nico couldn’t cook very American brands of ice cream or duplicate the pineapple and anchovy topping Maki’s favorite Italian bistro had created for her. So Nico punched in the passcode to the door, while balancing a cooler full of imported Creamalicious pints (Nico made a deal to perform in a series of ads for a konbini chain in exchange for setting up a supply chain when Maki threatened to have their child in the New York City brownstone so she could get delivery) on top of tonight’s pizza.

“Nico-chan!”

Maki sounded in a good mood. Nico relaxed slightly. The lights were low.

“Ice cream and pizza delivery.” Nico announced, turning into the kitchen.

While Nico was loading pints into the freezer, Maki came up behind her, sliding an arm around her waist, dropping a kiss on her hair, “Welcome home, Nico-chan.”

“How are you feeling, Maki-chan?”

‘Fine. Your Todaimon Takkanmari order is due in 5 minutes and I’ve got 9 Muses of Star Empire. I know you’ve been wanting to watch it.”

“The dark side of the Idol industry.”

“We can watch Analog Trip after.”

Nico leaned in to Maki, feeling their daughter between them. It would take awhile to adjust to Maki being only one person sized again, but Nico was looking forward to it. And meeting their daughter.

“I thought you might want a mini vacation.”

“A K-pop mini vacation.” Nico giggled, “Maki-chan is cute.”

“Give me that pizza.”

“Ah, there’s the Maki-chan I’m used to.” Nico handed over the pizza box.

Maki inhaled, eyes closed, a dreamy look on her face. “Did you thank Taka-san for us.”

“Of course.” Ice cream put away, Nico headed for the media room, but Maki grabbed her sweater.

“Wait Nico-chan.”

“What.”

A shy blush on her face, Maki pointed up. She’d hung a misshapen clump of mistletoe on the kitchen door lintel.

“I thought you’d forgotten.”

Maki shook her head.

“And before you tear into the pizza. Nico must be good.”

“Just kiss me, Nico-chan.”

Nico knew what to do when your pregnant wife demanded something. Be as thorough as possible.

“If that’s what Maki-chan wants.”

+1 Nearing Dia’s Second Birthday

Dia��s eyes got bigger with every tree they walked past on their downtown Tokyo stroll. This year Dia was old enough to appreciate Christmas and Maki had been overjoyed, doubling the stack of Christmas related books she’d read to Dia last year, setting up a Christmas tree on every floor and lights outside. Dia’s room had its own Christmas tree as well; Nico had barely won the battle, keeping one of of their bedroom. Her argument had been Maki wouldn’t want Santa thinking he should put the presents there and just walk in on them. Maki had blushed furiously and thrashed at a smirking Nico with a pillow, but no bedroom Christmas tree.

“Mom.” Dia pulled on Nico’s hand.

“Hi, bun.” Nico smiled at her daughter.

“Tired. Carry Dia.”

Nico glanced at the stroller Maki was pushing, now full of presents for all the Yazawas, who they were having dinner with. Dia would sleep through that, after a round of “Dia’s so cute” greetings.

“Okay, Dia. Up you go.” Nico picked up her daughter, the weight easy, Dia’s arms going around her neck, and Nico sneaking a quick kiss on Dia’s cheek.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You” played somewhere close by and Nico started singing, Dia joining in on the chorus. Maki had the biggest smile, her flaming red hair covered in a black beanie, watching both of them bop happily through downtown Tokyo, Nico, just another mom anonymous in the holiday shopping crowd. There had been too few moments like this, out in public, since Nico’s first album had dominated the charts.

Something caught Maki’s attention and excited, she pulled Nico toward the road.

“Hey, Maki-chan, be careful.”

“Look, Nico-chan.”

Maki was standing under a tree wrapped in white lights, but on one of the branches, someone had hung a twist of mistletoe.

“You never miss any mistletoe, do you.”

“Nope.”

“Does Nico not kiss you enough the rest of the year.”

“Nope.”

Maki could be so silly sometimes, and Christmas was most of those times. Nico loved it. She hoped her daughter would inherit it, but looking down at Dia, she saw a frown starting.

“Not Christmas tree.” Dia said, pointing to the same thing Maki was.

“No, bun, that’s mistletoe. Your Mama always looks for it this time of year.”

“When I find it, Nico-chan gives me a prize.” Maki stepped in, an irrepressible dare twinking in her eyes.

“Hang on a minute, Dia.” Nico shifted Dia, to better lean in and kiss Maki.

Nico felt a small hand on her chin, pushing.

“Bzzzzt.”

Dia’s other hand was on Maki’s chin, pushing her back.

“Go see Grandma.” Dia demanded.

Nico sighed, “Yes, Dia, we’re going to see your Grandma.”

“Hurry.”

“Hurry, she says, Maki-chan.” Nico chuckled.

“No patience.” Maki agreed.

“Patience,” and here Nico hoped her voice was working on levels of subtext only adults could here, “gets rewarded.”

“It better.” Maki muttered, but any attempt to glare at Dia softened into amusement.

“You’re the best, Maki-chan.” Nico blew a kiss toward Maki.

“I know.”

Nico knew where Dia got her command tones from.

A/N: A/N: Merry Christmas. It's been a tiring year for me, but I wanted to thank you for reading/commenting/caring. And offer you best wishes for 2023. Take care.

[dinoserious]

oh fuck a bug. somebody get that thing

[witheredapple]

Lucifer: Ok, fine! I slept with Diavolo back when I was an angel, ok?! But it was just sex! Nothing else happened.

The brothers:

The brothers: *Looks at Satan*

Satan:

Diavolo: *gasps and cries happy tears* ...son?

Satan: NO!

[diadraws]

i needed to draw alix/bunnyx refs bcuz shes ma fav. baby and growed up version

[imlilyyfromff13]

LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII (2013)

"The crystal age is just a legend from before the world was born. And it ended, before you were born."

[goddessofbees]

I headcannon Hispanic Jason Todd so in spirit (ha!) of dia de Los Muertos my DanDad AU, the twins ghost forms look like this during day of the dead!

They are 10-11 years old in the drawing, Ellie's wearing a inverted colored jacket of Jason's Red Hood jacket and Danny is wearing a inverted red hoodie

[leadmetothegardenbetty]

NEW KYLE REHEARSING PSYOPS JUST DROPPED EVERYONE SHUT UP

[misc-obeyme]

Since we're on the topic of Solomon having kids and such, especially with Mc. This makes me wonder how powerful/strong their kid/s would be? We have one immortal sorcerer who's known as King solomon the wise, and then we have another powerful sorcerer who's possibly a Nephilim who has pacts with the 7 demon brothers. If the two of them had children together, can you imagine how strong they'd be?!

Or general speaking if Mc had children with the other characters, like we have the literally son of the devil Diavolo, a time travelling butler, high ranking Angels, A reaper, and the 7 Demon Brothers, I guess it doesn't matter with who they would have children with I can only imagine how strong said children would be.

((I also like to think that Mc is also immortal at this point in the story.))

I too like to think that MC is immortal or at least knows how to become immortal should they so choose. But that's how I feel about generic OM MC, it's probably different for each MC.

Anyway, there is no doubt that any children MC has would be super powerful. They would be powerful enough if MC just had kids with some rando human, but yeah, having kids with any of our characters at all? That child will be so OP.

It's interesting because with everybody but Solomon, MC ends up with a kid that's only half human. They're either half demon or half angel. But with Solomon, that kid is fully human and STILL completely OP lol.

I can't help but wonder what a kid like that would mean for inter-world relations. Like if MC had Diavolo's kid, that'd be a half human demon royal right there. Which would mean that one day the Devildom itself would be ruled by a half human. Can you imagine!?!? I think they'd have to wait a long time before all the demons would be okay with that turn of events...

[hanafubukki]

The Lullaby Representing True Love

The lullaby we heard in book 7 has such a deep meaning and it gets me emotional.

It’s used in various ways to repeatedly show love between the characters.

We hear Malleus hum this song that Lilia and Meleanor sang to him when he was in his egg. This song Malleus hums as he puts everyone into a comforting sleep where they can have their happiest dreams.

This song we heard Meleanor sing to eggleus right before she gives her egg away, a final lullaby of love and comfort. Her farewell to Malleus.

The lullaby we hear Lilia sing to Silver in the flashback, something to calm him. Showing him love through a song that means much to him and showing his love for Silver.

Malleus then hums this very song to Silver as well. He doesn’t know where he heard it but he remembers it fondly. He knows it brings comfort so he hums it to baby Silver and we see how Malleus continues to go on and love that baby.

Then we hear this same melody when Silver accepts the love Lilia has for him. It’s in the background. Silver literally states that his father loves him. You can hear it start from the fight with sebek and then the melody increase as Silver accepts that truth of how much he is loved. We see the Knight of Dawn happy to see his son happy again.

We hear Lilia sing it to eggleus. He’s looking for a way to hatch Malleus. Makes him all these promises. Constantly compliments and teases him. And then Lilia, general lilia, sings it to him. Showing him that love and care that he has for him. Malleus flickers in response. Then we get Malleus hatching in the next scene.

And the last scene we hear the Rhythm is with Silver and Lilia. When we see Silver tell Lilia that he wants to talk with him and Lilia agrees. We hear it loud and clear the love and comfort between the two.

The lullaby is literally true love in a song. The way they constantly show true love these characters have for each other gives me awe.

I hope we get this song in a twsttunes. I can’t wait to see how this song will be used again. The way they incorporate the lyrics or the rhythm into the story to show true love just has me feral.

[simpforlh44]

You're Perfect

Gif created by doinggreat

Pairing: Ruben Dias x Reader

Summary: Just Reader Comforting Ruben After The Match

Word Count : 638

A/N: Hey everyone 🥺 it's been a long time since I've written something but I couldn't help it after today's match I had to share those thoughts. Anyway I hope you enjoy!

Hearing the dangling of his keys, you left the kitchen quickly to see him. After what happened today you knew he won't be in the best mood, knowing ruben he would be blaming himself for that goal thinking that he could do better than that. He Is Way Better Than That. He looked sad and you're sure he felt like that too.

"Hey" you said wrapping your arms around him

'Hi..' Hearing his tone you knew this may have affected him more than you think

"Do you want to talk about it" you said looking into his eyes noticing how he avoided yours

'Not really no..' he said looking away while releasing himself from your arms

"it's okay, you don't have to. Just let me take care of you" you helped him with his bags taking his hand going inside the apartment

"I cooked some food thought it might cheer you up what about you eat while I prepare you a warm bath?" you said Still looking at him but he just nodded his head and looked on the floor

You served him food and went to prepare his bath, you filled the bath with warm water adding a few drops of essential oil, some bath salt and you even light up some scented candles to help him relax. You turned around to go and call him but you found him standing by the door looking at you for the first time since he came.

"oh you scared me I was going to call you" you said while holding you chest

'sorry..' you noticed he began to look at the floor again

"Hey none of that, come on let's get you in the bath big boy" you helped him into the bath and turned around to leave but a hand stopped you, you looked at him again

'Join me?' you couldn't say no to his beautiful brown eyes you wanted to give him space but he clearly doesn't want to be left alone

"sure move forward for me I'm taking care of you tonight" you smiled to him and started taking of your clothes. Once you got behind him you started kissing his neck and shoulders then you grabbed his shampoo to wash his hair and to massage his sculp. You moved again to his shoulders and started massaging his tensed muscles.

"ruben can you turn around for me please" he obeyed now setting in the bathtub facing you

"you're perfect ruben.. I saw the match today and I know you must be frustrated but I wanted you to know that I will always love you regardless of whatever happens, you're so important to the team and making a mistake specially an unintentional one doesn't make you any less important..."you said looking into his eyes

'but...'

"no buts we make a mistake today, we make up for it tomorrow, I love you, your teammates love you and most importantly your fans love you regardless of what happened. Let's not let today put you down instead let it move you forward"

'I don't know what I did to deserve you' he gave you a smile, a little smile but you'll take it

"you don't need to do something special to deserve me ruben, being you is enough for me" you moved to give him a quick kiss and then you went to get the towels as the water was getting cold.

After both of you got dressed you laid-back on the bed waiting for him with open arms, he got next to you. You placed his head on your chest and you started playing with his hair

'querida' he said in a low voice while looking at you

"hmm"

'thank you for today. I love you'

"I love you too ruben. I really do" you smiled down at him

[lonelypond]

Dear Santa: A Lo-Fi Holiday Love, Ch. 4

NicoMaki, Love Live, 1.8K, 4/4

Lo-Fi Holiday Postlude

Lacking a Maki Nishikino to impress, Nico had settled for cyber stalking her and was now possessed of much more Nishikino knowledge. International healthcare business, starting with a small hospital in Japan at the start of modern medicine, expanded to the United States, partnerships in Korea and several South American countries, and multiple pharmaceutical concerns. The parents made more appearances than Maki, who could mostly be found TWIGing from next to the runway during various fashion weeks attending her friend Kotori Minami's multiple collection launches over the years. Maki also took time to talk about her work with various indigenous organizations working to protect the planet, frequently offering her platform to activists. And then all the concert pics. Maki would show off the outfit, the piano, and post a video from her rehearsal. She had a couple of friends who appeared in shots, one a short ginger who could get her to face paint and stick out her tongue and snowball fight and Nico was suddenly envious of having that casual access to Maki. There were no pics of Dia. Of course there were no pics of Dia. A baby would be such a target for photographers and nosy pests.

Then Nico cyberstalked herself. The pic, fans talking down upset fans, Nico and her awards, her music company, the Nico Nightlights cosmetic line she'd just launched. Her net worth in the 50 million range, her long career, working hard at music and some choice roles in movies and television. Lots to be proud of, for anybody who happened to look Nico up. Although, thinking about Maki, Nico thought maybe some more charity involvement might be good, although this evening's New Year's concert was all about charity. Nico was a catch. And Maki never smiled in any of her pictures like Nico had seen Maki smile when they were alone together.

Sigh. Nico put down her phone. She'd sent enough messages. Parents nagged and demanded Maki show up, not Nico. Time for Nico to have some quiet time: takeoff her makeup, put on her homemade hydrating mask, pick out a pint of ice cream from the freezer (spoiler: strawberry shortcake), and curl up in bed to watch the ball fall.

###

Nico's Maki text tone went off. Nico grabbed for her phone.

M: Hey

N: Hi

M: I'm here

Unexpected. Totally.

M: With Dia

N: Are you parked?

M: On the street. In a loading zone.

N: ＼(｀0´)／

N: Nico will be right there.

Grab a hoodie, put on boots, run, literally run downstairs. And there was Maki pacing outside her car, in a long, dark coat and navy beanie. Run and grab her, hug her tight enough to crack a rib, make sure she wasn't going to bolt.

Nico's arms squeezed and Maki relaxed. She wouldn't be out on the pavement pacing for hours. Or have to drive through the Berkshires tonight to get back home. Dia wouldn't scream all the way anywhere. Tears kept threatening; Maki kept fluttering them away with her lashes.

"Mama says we're not billionaires." was the first thing Maki thought to say.

"Give Nico your keys."

Maki handed them over.

"Get in, loser." Nico jingled them at the car.

"What?!??!?!"

"Mean Girls? The meme?"

Maki shook her head.

"Nerd." Nico muttered, then switched to the big smile. "Please allow Nico to be your valet this evening, Ms. Nishikino." Nico hopped around the car, opening Maki's door with a grand flourish.

Maki giggled. That was better.

###

Dia's newly acquired portable crib was a 14 pound backpack that unpacked into a side zippered playpen looking thing. Pretty cool, Nico thought. Unpacking the car had woken up Dia and now she was burbling at her mother in complaining tones.

"She's probably hungry."

"Nico's kitchen is your kitchen." Nico pulled on the backpack straps, "Where do you want Nico to set this up?"

Maki ducked her head, "What were you doing before…?"

"About to put on a hydrating face mask, morosely eat ice cream in bed, and stare at the really gorgeous view from Nico's bed, maybe watch some New Year's fireworks and stuff on my laptop."

"Can I join you?" Maki asked softly.

"Portable crib in Nico's bedroom it is."

"Thanks."

###

"Now that she's eaten, we get Dia settled in." Maki put down the spoon she'd been feeding her daughter with.

"Crib's all set." Nico bounced to the kitchen opening restless, eager to be in a cozier space. "Does Dia want a lullaby? Nico can still sing."

"Nico Ni." Dia announced.

Stunned at first, Nico spun around, to watch Dia reaching out wiggling fingers. Nico was right there, kneeling, her hand flat against Dia's tiny one, a huge grin on her face.

"We've been practicing your name." Maki offered shyly.

"Two charmers." Nico winked at the mom, then turned her attention to the daughter.

"Hi, Dia. Welcome to Nico's home. Stay as long as you like."

###

"So you have a cosmetics company but you only use the homemade stuff at home?"

"Nico makes the best."

"Better than chemists?"

"It's a hands on, feel the texture thing."

Nico spun Maki to face her. Nico's hands were already covered in what Maki had now christened 'green goop" and Nico was applying that to Maki's face with the gentlest of touches.

Maki sniffed, "Smells like yogurt?"

"Yogurt, avocado, lemon, turmeric, and a splash of a secret ingredient."

Maki batted her eyelashes, ignoring the neon green glow of her face she could see peripherally in the mirror. "You can tell me."

"Nope. Industrial rival." Nico stepped back, crossed her arms, frowned, and her towel wrapped hair shifted to lean forward. "Very dangerous. Nico is on guard."

Maki giggled, and giggled some more, and then guffawed.

"You're terrible at terrifying."

"Not Nico's goal."

"What is Nico's goal?"

A quick kiss to the end of Maki's nose, a quick swipe of Nico's tongue to clear any traces of mask on her lips, and a wink. "Tasty things. What kind of ice cream do you like?"

"Milkshakes. Vanilla. For dipping french fries."

Nico huffed. "Weirdo. Nico does velvety, luxury smoothies from Boston's best."

Maki pointed to a bowl next to the sink, "Are the cucumbers mix ins?"

"Ha! And no. Face toppings. But we do that after the ice cream and gazing at the view."

"This is super complicated goop." Maki had the goofiest grin peeking through the green as she teased Nico.

"Nico's super cute is worth the effort."

Maki leaned in, pursing her lips. "Nico is super cute. But it's better when you're not Shrek colored."

"Very funny." Nico spun Maki, and they both looked at their reflection in the mirror. Nico grabbed her phone. "Smile. Nico Nico Ni."

Maki smiled.

"We'll show 'em what super hot date nights really look like."

A weight in the air. Maki's smile crashed into stress lines.

"Nico." Maki sounded scared. "Don't. Please."

Nico immediately put the phone down, sliding her hands around Maki's waist, pulling the taller woman in for a hug, "Just for Nico works best."

"Thank you."

Nico tilted her head, Maki could see the mischief sparkle, "Honestly, Nico gets more of a Grinch than Shrek vibe from you."

"Santa will put you on the naughty list." Maki shoved at Nico, but Nico remained solidly set.

"Nico is always nice. Like I said, it's in the name." Another hug, an inhale, a scent memory of Maki's lingering perfume mixed with Nico's homebrew avocado mush. A new, cozy kind of intoxicant.

"Grab the cucumbers, get comfy on Nico's bed, and I'll be back with the best milkshake ever."

"Okay."

###

Nico had tucked her bed into the corner where the windows met. Albums, magazines, candles, and plushies were scattered across the bed high, marble looking blocks actually lining the windows. So many pillows. Maki had never seen so many pillows. Pink pillows. Heart pillows. Squishable pillows. Maki had changed into bright blue pajama pants with skiing Yeti, red wool socks, and a white "fuck colonialism" shirt. Nico's pajamas were cream, quilted, and with tan stuffed rabbits tumbling everywhere.

"Those are so cute."

"Nico knows. Picked them up on a visit to Seoul."

"Concert?"

"Yes." Nico laughed, "But Nico was in the crowd, not on the stage. Nice shirt. Really going with the not Team Billionaire vibe."

"Yep." Maki said, popping the final "p," half falling into Nico's pillows, her lips wrapping around the straw sticking up from her milkshake. Sexiest way to derail a conversation ever. Nico shoved a large spoonful of with a chunk of strawberry into her own mouth, congratulating herself. Way to be classy and not drool over the hot redhead in your bed. A literal cool down. Nico giggled. Maki raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

A small cry from Dia froze them both. They glanced toward the crib, but when Dia burbled a few not quite words and went back to sleep, Maki chuckled.

"She probably wants ice cream."

"We'll save her some for the morning."

"I'm not sharing." Maki hugged the glass.

"You are silly." Nico bumped Maki's glass with her spoon.

Maki let out a huge sigh, "I need silly."

"Silly, with you, sounds like a great way to start off the year."

"Yeah." Maki dropped her head to Nico's shoulder, "Not a bad choice at all."

"Nico is always the number one choice."

"You write all your own reviews, don't you."

"Have you been cyberstalking Nico?"

"No…uh…I had to get your albums…and…"

Nico put her ice cream aside, sliding an arm around Maki. "Nico is teasing. Breathe, Maki. You're too cute being green to turn blue."

Maki stared at Nico, the gorgeous smile sneaking back. "You say ridiculous things."

"And yet here you are."

"Here I am."

Silence. Maki dropping her head on Nico's shoulder, eyes closed, Nico's fingers softly easing knots out of silken curls. A quick touch on the nightstand and the room lights dimmed, the view of Boston glittering, buildings stark against a moonless sky, reflected lights shimmering in the water like someone had draped the harbor for the holidays.

When Nico turned away from the city lights, she could see Dia comfortable, lying on her back in the crib, starting her second year.

"Happy birthday, Dia." Nico whispered.

Maki murmured something into Nico's shoulder, drawing Nico's attention back. Nico could feel Maki's breathing evening out, the redhead relaxing into Nico's side, trusting her. Nico felt a surge of confidence. Somewhere there was a sparkly thing dropping, fireworks booming, New Year's kisses spreading through cheering crowds like the wave. But for now, Nico had had enough of noisy crowds and kissing could wait. Smiling down at the sexy and sweet present serendipity (and maybe Santa) had brought into her life, Nico knew this new path might be rough and the timing unpredictable. But Nico couldn't imagine better company for whatever adventures the New Year would bring.

A/N: Fuck yes…screw you, Covid-19 and electoral politics. For the first time since 2019, a completed lonelypond Christmas and holiday jam.

[casart]

They were kids that I once knew

Now they're all dead hearts to you—

[caostalgia]

"No hay nada dentro de este cuerpo que miras. El pájaro que hay en mí no puede volar."

Million Dollar Baby; F.X. Toole.

[witheredapple]

Lucifer: Michael? What are you doing down here?

Michael: I heard you had a son with Diavolo and I thought it would be nice to see my nephew for the first time

Lucifer: Not your nephew, Michael

Michael: *Looks at Satan*

Satan: ?

Michael: *looks him up and down* hm, he’s not identical to Diavolo as they said he was

Michael: But I guess I can see a bit of Diavolo’s features in him

Satan: WHAT?!

[rylarts]

Cowgirl x Princess ChikaDia for pride <33

[imlilyyfromff13]

FINAL FANTASY XIII (2009)

"This is the kind of power you've got inside. And it's telling you not to give up. Trust me."