#Baby Dia

[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.

[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!

[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

[14106]

tumblr ur so dear to me u get to see the fixed final best version of the stickers i made for an upcoming event <3 i'll post em all separetely i thinkkkk so enjoy these viejones first <3333 (not me constantly printing stickers thinking only of what i want <//3 whos buyin these.... besides me... 0 profit)

[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."

[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...

[lonelypond]

Dear Santa, A LoFi Holiday Love: Meet Coffee

NicoMaki, Love Live, 3.3K 1/3

Meet Coffee

Christmas wasn’t like this. Christmas wasn’t stress and scheduling. Christmas wasn’t family and friends wanting you at opposite corners of the state on the same damn day. And most of all, Maki Nishikino knew, CHRISTMAS WASN’T CRYING.

She glanced over her shoulder. Dia, her daughter, a week and two days from her first birthday, sat, mouth open, fists waving, SCREAMING.

Christmas wasn’t crying, Maki repeated to herself, Christmas wasn't crying. Please don't let me start crying.

Maki hummed. Desperately. Dia did not have a favorite Christmas carol yet. As smart and deft as Dia was for her age group, she had yet to develop the capacity to create a holiday playlist.

Big inhale, Calmest voice Maki could manage, tinged with desperation.

“Dia, please, please stop crying. Mama can’t take it.”

Maki’s hands gripped the steering wheel, Dia’s high wails drilling into her ears. It was getting more and more difficult to stay focused on the road. Suddenly, a miracle and her headlights were catching unfamiliar food and lodging signs. Some small town probably, but not one that had been invaded by vampiric chain restaurants sucking all the community out. Maki could take the next exit, soothe Dia, find a cute place to get food and coffee for sanity’s sake, maybe check into a hotel for the night. And then when she woke up the morning, Maki would give in to the urge to turn the car around and drive back home. If her parents were too busy to visit or head to the mountain camp, that was a choice they made and not an excuse to guilt trip Maki and Dia into a holiday trip to Boston. Once they got out of the mountains, traffic would be impossible and Maki would be even more stressed. Why had she agreed to this?

The answer was childhood memories – or brainwashing, years of happy times with her parents during the holidays, at their mountain camp. Maki wanted Dia to have those. So of course, the plan was to have Dia's first Christmas at the camp. Maki figured everyone would be eager, especially with her parents so excited by the next generation of Nishikinos to spoil. They had long given up on Maki marrying but celebrated when Maki had decided she wanted a family. Dia's arrival had been a glad day in Nishikino family history. Maki a a mother was determined to do better than her parents, pay more attention, demand less. Dia wouldn't be lonely, left for work, told to keep busy studying while other family's children were cared for.

Exit. Drive. Turn – flip coin in head, turn left. Shush Dia. Pull over. Dia gets blessedly quiet for a minute when the car stops. Maki grabs her smartphone, Maps their location, searches for an open coffeeshop with food. At six o'clockish, it was a longa shot, but if there was one, it would probably be a quiet, toward the end of the day mood. Yes, two point eight miles up the road, Clara's Coffee and Cafe.

"Found us a place, Dia."

Dia burbled.

"We'll get you changed and fed and refuel Mama."

Dia had no objections.

One point two miles in and suddenly a town sprang up, decorated trees in front of every building, large windows, burnished mellow mahoghany woods, snowflake lights draped everywhere, pine trees a border of coziness. Something landed on the windshield. Was it snowing? Maki rolled down her window, inhaled a soft cold, stuck a hand out the window to feel the wet kiss of a Christmas snowflake on her palm. She smiled for the first time in hours. Dia seemed to be singing her own version of smashed together Christmas carols, nonsense syllables adding messy charm.

There it was: Clara's Coffee and Cafe, the corner anchor of a row of little shops, all still open. From the sign, Clara seemed to be a Nutcracker reference. Many of the shops had customers bustling in and out, last minute shopping a national comfort. Clara's seemed empty, but it was open for another couple hours. and a parking slot waited for Maki right out front. Welcoming. She parked, popped out, stretched.

"MAMA!"

"Just give me a minute, Dia. Mama loves you, but Mama needs her blood to move."

The town's atmosphere was picture perfect holiday vibes: quiet, cozy, sparkling, friendly, bringing Maki back to her best memories of this season, pushing away this December's increasing frustrations.

Maki unbuckled Dia.

"Let's get you inside, bun. I bet you're hungry."

The door chimes had a pleasant, tinkling tone, very Christmasy. Maki approved.

"Welcome to Clara's." A peppy, peppermint voice chirped, "Come in from the cold and let Nico Ni make your day better."

Some kind of midnight haired, red stripe hatted Christmas elf, surely she wasn't really half Maki's size, bounced out to wave, startling Maki into a backwards swerve, protecting the back of Dia's head with her hand.

"Whoa, there. Nico didn't mean to startle you, pretty lady." Holly berry eyes twinkled.

The elf person could not have sounded sweeter. Dia was suddenly fascinated, twisting to turn her head around and making annoyed chucks at Maki who still had her in lockdown.

"May I?" The elf reached out her hands. "Nico's great with kids and you look like you're about to pass out."

Maki did feel light kneed and weak headed. Dropping Dia would not be peak parenting. The elf seemed to have sure hands.

"What's their name?"

"Dia." Maki knew that one.

"Hi Dia." The elf immediately chirruped. "I'm Nico. I'm going to take care of your Mom and you."

"Mama."

Nico raised an eyebrow.

"She calls me Mama." Maki explained, not sure why she started this and positive she was getting redder every second, "There's no other mom." Solid move there, Nishikino, she told herself. Cute elf takes your child with some arbitrary degree of confidence, you scream out the most awkward version of "I AM NOT STRAIGHT" ever spoken.

"Okay, Dia. Nico is going to take care of your Mama…" an exaggerated wink, "and you. Looks like you've both had a long drive." Nico gestured with her shoulder toward the very comfy couch tucked into the window corner next to the counter "Sit on the cozy couch, Dia's Mama, and Nico will bring Dia over."

Maki dropped the diaper bag first, then herself, arms stretched out.

"You can stretch out those extra long legs too, put up your feet. Nico doesn't mind. It's not her cafe."

"You're not the owner?"

Somehow, Nico seemed more like a proprietor and less like a barista. Maybe some kind of artist with a part time job. Maki knew many people had extra jobs, especially during the holidays.

Nico giggled. "Owners are my best and oldest friends. Giving them a holiday shopping date night for a Christmas gift."

"That's nice."

"Nico is the nicest. It's practically in my name."

Maki laughed; Nico nodded as if she'd just scored a victory.

Dia had quieted down so Maki had scored a victory as well her daughter suddenly easy to hold and social, glancing around everywhere, pointing. Maybe Dia didn't need a change yet. A bottle of juice. Or some cereal. Cereal was easy to make.

"If she's hungry and you've got a bottle or something quick in there, Nico can heat it up for you."

"Cereal. There's cereal and a bowl in the outside pocket."

Nico nodded, then unzipped the bag to find the box, and took it into the back with her, leaving Maki to appreciate all the details of the cafe. Snowflakes seemed to be the base decoration of choice for the town. The biggest Christmas tree had multicolored lights, golden garland, and Nutcracker themed ornaments. Every movement of the ballet was represented as far as Maki could tell. Maki wondered if some of them were made from marzipan.

Nico was back in a twinkling, handing Maki a bowl of cereal, "Now what would Dia's mama like?"

"Any kind of sandwich."

DIa could smell the food, leaning forward with interest.

"Nico can manage."

"And something with about a quart of espresso."

Nico's lips pursed, as if that was a choice she didn't agree with. But she also didn't know Maki well enough to make an alternate suggestion. So a question instead.

"Do you like sweet or savory?"

"Savory."

"How do you take your coffee?"

Maki glanced up from concentrating on Dia, to catch Nico watching her seriously.

Maki smirked, "French, no cigarette, mademoiselle."

Now Maki was speaking French and making bad jokes. Oh, she was so very tired. Maybe it was time for her to deflect with a question.

"Are you actually a Christmas elf?"

"Because you've been good?" Nico sounded judgey.

"No...no." Maki was flushed and flustered, "the hat, the height…"

Nico snorted.

Maki spoke faster, "The snow… the town…the decorations…it's practically a Santa town, a Hallmark….

Nico gave up and flopped behind Dia, laughing, "Slow down, student driver. Nico will give you the basics. Nico Yazawa, not elf, frequently found in a kitchen, definitely not married so good call on the madmoiselle, queer as…" Nico's eyes flashed to Dia and she didn't finish the phrase, "And if none of that sounds familiar, the rest is a long story."

"Okay."

"Nico will be back with more food in a few, ladies." Nico, red eyes as warm as a well banked fire, caught Maki's full attention, "Do not go anywhere."

Maki nodded, continuing to feed Dia spoonfuls, "Guess we're both getting a snack."

Dia smiled.

###

Santa was probably watching. Now Maki could hear the quiet jazz playing in the background, the Christmas jazz, hints of different carols, competent pianists offering smooth, easy, restful takes on slowing holiday hustle. As Dia relaxed and ate, Maki relaxed into the moment, glad not to be speeding solo through the cold night anymore. Warm and cozy. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt like this, comfortable, warm, cozy, just quietly in the moment during her favorite time of the year. Even the days she'd spent this year with Rin, Hanayo, and their daughter, Tora, had been more about watching as their children learned and played together, growing, worrying about what might happen or complain about work and family inconveniences. When had Maki and Dia been alone? Not often, especially with the nanny there. Yes, for bedtime stories and sleep times, but there wasn't much sharing on Dia's part, not yet.

"We're staying home next year, Dia. If anyone wants a visit, they can come to us." Sound decision.

A small noise. Dia seemingly approved.

"And I want to start spending more time playing my favorite pieces or recording the lullabies I compose for you as an album, not just rehearsing for the next concert."

Maybe there shouldn't be a next concert for awhile. Now that performances were possible again, even in the presence of Covid, Maki wasn't sure they were practical. It was still dangerous, especially for Dia. And Maki hadn't not taken nearly enough – or any– maternity leave. Every week since July had involved travel. Their house currently served mostly as long term storage for her favorite piano and certain family heirlooms.

"Here we go. I can take over feeding Dia if you want." Nico the maybe elf (whatever she claimed otherwise) put a plate in front of Maki. " It's grilled cheese and tomato."

"Tomatoes are my favorite."

"Good guess for Nico then." Nico turned Dia, took the bowl and spoon. "Enjoy."

Maki bit into the molten gold toasted brioche bread, at least three cheeses merging on her tongue with a slight peppery bite, along with the tomato and basil. "Salad caprese…"

"Good catch. Nico slipped a couple of other bonuses in there, but you'll figure them out."

Nope. No detective work. Just savoring deliciousness in big, messy bites. Maki was salivating with butter running down her chin, but she didn't care at all.

"I'm just going to enjoy this. It's amazing."

"Nico will remain a magician then." A quick wave of her hand, then Nico's attention was back on Dia, "Are you going to like Nico's cooking as much as your Mama?"

"She's not a big tomato fan yet."

"Oh." Nico tweaked Dia's nose to a giggle, whispering, "Your mama's gonna brainwash you if you don't watch out.

"'S not brainwashing." Maki mumbled mid chew, very self conscious about her most frequent dinner choice, "Pizza is THE perfect meal, all the food groups and Dia can handle small pieces herself."

Dia picked out the one word she'd probably heard all her life, "Pizza!"

"Like mother, like daughter."

Nico fed Dia another spoonful, "Tis isn't pizza but Nico bets its tasty."

Dia leaned forward. She hadn't been hungry earlier, but time in the car always brought her appetitie out.

"She's a neat eater."

"She's a neat everything. Always keeps her toys in the same area."

"like mother, like…"

Maki shook her head, "I make piles. I know what's where but it's not the neatest."

"Nico is on the move too much. Everythinggoes in suitcases."

"A nomad?"

Nico stared at Maki, who blinked, waiting patiently for an answer. After a minute, Nico smiled and shrugged, "Touring for work."

"Me too." Maki sounded eager. This might be someone who understood.

"Consultant? Eli says a lot of them drive through here on the way to…"

"Musician." Maki snapped.

"Oh." Nico chuckled, "How's your coffee?"

"What's funny? And…" Maki inverted the cup, "empty."

"NIco will fix that. And Nico is a musician too. Guess we don't recognize each other in the wild."

"Are you in a ensemble? What instrument do you play?"

Nico raised an eyebrow. "Nico sings. With a backing band."

"Oh."

"And you?"

"Piano." Maki flexed her fingers. "Driving is not the best for me but I prefer the solitude." Maki glanced at her duaghter, :ANd Dia mostly likes' hand skating up, "the VROOM!"

"Must be cute, this vrooming. Nico's mostly on tour buses. Not driving. Things really only started up again this year after the lockdown."

"Yeah."

A weight in the air. share acknowledgement of a whole way of life thrown sideways, professions suddenly precarious, careers lost, the need to nuture precious, returning audiences.

"We've been on the road every week since July."

"Nico did March to June, then August and college tours. July's too hot."

"It is." Maki glanced out the window, still a gentle snowfall, "It's magical now, the places the weather matches the calendar."

"Santa buffs the chance of snow." Nico joked.

"He does." Maki's agreement was surprisingly serious.

Nico checked Dia's expression. As serious as her mother's. Santa stans then.

"How was your sandwich? Do you need another?"

A gorgeous, glowing smile, "It was the best. Seriously. And I'm fine." A pause, "Your friends have a nice place here."

"They do. Eli comes from a restaurant family. You'll want to try her breakfast blintzes someday. Nozomi makes film shorts. Although Nico had to fire her from music videos….she just…" Nico shuddered.

Maki suddenly wondered exactly what these friends of Nico's were like. Dia pulled on Maki's arm.

"Okay, bun. C'mere. Mama's got you."

Maki took Dia from Nico, shifting so Dia was sitting on her lap. Nico watched, enthralled.

"Bun?"

"Short for bunny, I guess. Dia laughs when I do this." Maki put her hands up in bunny ears, Dia giggling and copying the gesture.

Movement outside the window. Two people on the walkway.

"Time for Nico to work again. But I'll be back."

"Sure."

For all Maki's lauding solitude and the vroom of the car, she was in no rush to leave this place. Talking with Nico had a comfortable flow and Dia was more at ease than usual, considering the newness of the environment. It was probably past time to update her parents.

M: Stopped for food and coffee.

Parents: How's Dia?

It was always about Dia. The next generation of Nishikinos. Maybe the next doctor. Maki had vetoed any medically related toys but that hadn't stopped her parents' propaganda push.

M: Fine, Getting sleepy.

Maki should have brought the car seat inside.

Parents: Roads are bad here. Icy, busy. You should check into a hotel. Where are you?

Maybe Nico would let Maki take a long nap, stretched out on this comfy, coffeeshop couch. Were there blinds? Or curtains that could be closed? The caffeine in the air hit a suddenly buzzing Maki. Not an ideal sleeping environment.

Dia was sleepy. And restless. Maki laid her supine on the couch. Dia clapped her hands in the air, to a tune only she heard. Maki started sneaking her hand in between Dia's to see if she could catch it. Maki was winning 15-9 when she glanced up to see Nico leaning on the counter, watching them, a soft smile on her lips.

"You two are the cutest. you know. Nico is counting meeting you as a Present from Santa."

Dia burbled.

"Dia approves."

"Thank you, Dia. Now what can Nico do for Maki?"

"Point me to a hotel."

"Stay here, Nico Nico Ni." Nico shot her shot. Maki was impressed. Could Nico read minds?

"what… I couldn't…the windows…" Maki gestured at the glass.

"Not the coffeeshop, silly. Eli and Nozomi have an apartment upstairs for long days and visitors. Studio but Nico will sleep on the couch."

That sounded too good to be true, "That'd be…" Dia rolled over, reminding Maki of responsibilities. "We need a crib."

"Oh yeah, silly Nico." Self deprecating head chuck.

"Sorry." A shy smile, "Thank you for the offer. Maybe we can…"

Nico bounced to stand next to Maki, looking down, phone out, "Oh, Nico is not done meeting you yet. We'll get you a room somewhere. Nico helps with your luggage. You give Nico your number. Nico sings a lullaby for the prettiest girls she's ever met. You sleep. Nico sleeps upstairs. You come back and Nico cooks you breakfast."

Maki blushed, glancing away, fingers reaching for a curl, not the phone.

"Too much?"

A nod.

Nico dropped her phone onto the couch arm, knelt, and reached a finger out for Dia to grab, "Dia, tell your Mama that Nico is one of Santa's elves and good girls don't turn down help from Santa."

Nico winked at Maki.

"I wouldn't want to upset Santa."

"No one does."

"There's a lot going on…" Maki fidgeted, "holidays, family."

Nico pulled Dia's hand back toward herself, "Nico gets that."

"Dia needs to sleep soon."

"And Nico needs to close up." Nico's energy stilled.

Maki hadn't known Nico long but Nico not smiling seemed as wrong as a hot January or cold July.

"if your tour…or my tour…takes us…we could have dinner…when I have a babysitter."

Nico perked up. Maki thought she might swoop down and kiss Dia's cheek or grab Maki's hand and squeeze it. Instead Nico just bounced to her feet.

"Are you on your way to Boston? Nico has a New Year's Eve concert there, if you're still in town?"

Irresponsible Maki hadn't started planning anything for 2024. Current Maki thanked her.

"I will be."

Nico leaned over to push her phone Maki-ward in the most comedic way possible. "Give Nico your deets."

"Sure."

"And I'll get you backstage passes."

"Okay."

"It's a date." Nico took her phone back, hugging it to her chest. Maki couldn't help but grin at the exaggerated gesture.

The door chime jingled like sleigh bells on snow as new customers entered in a blast of waking chill and casual conversation. Nico had time for one more killer cozy by the firelight smile.

"Nico will be looking forward to it."

Dia was bumping against Maki, who scooped her up, suddenly too invigorated to tuck either of them into bed. "Time to hit the road, my girl. Let's see how far we can go."

A/N:

Currently hooked on the ambient (Christmas) jazz channels on YouTube. Just a short holiday themed excursion to reclaim my Santa's helper status, after years of not quite managing. Take care, be safe, keep pushing for peace. Love you.

[the-last-panqueque]

🇨🇴Felíz día de las velitas!!! 🕯️🕯️🕯️

Al fin vuelvo con un dibujito, aunque al costo de casi ni poder usar las manos QvQ👍, espero que les guste porque hice lo mejor que pude TAT. En fin, ustedes van a poner velitas, farolitos o ver alumbrados? Yo ni idea, tocará ver.

-PQQ

[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.

[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?!

[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

[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.