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monthofsick · 2 years

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Out of the Blue, Into the Black

Nov(emeto)ber 2022, Day 1: Terrified caretaker

OCs: Aidan, Hailey

We're starting off Nov(emeto)ber with a story that turned out way more dramatic than I had expected. The core scenario had been creeping around in my mind for ages and then it ventured into uncharted territory. Don't worry, there's still a lot of fluff to make up for it.

TW: Vomit, medical issues

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Hailey was jumping for joy when she read Aidan‘s message. He was inviting her to a night out in town – in an exclusive new club that was insanely popular ever since its recent opening. Camila and Lenna didn’t have time to join them, which had been a bit of a bummer at first. But then again, it was a thrilling perspective to be the one and only eye witness with the privilege to share the first-hand experience with her friends in great detail.

After spending at least two hours in front of her closet, Hailey decided on a pink sequin shard mini dress. It took her another hour to get the perfect waves in her light blond hair and accentuate her big blue eyes with a glittery pink and silver make up. Feeling cute from head to toe, Hailey headed out into the lively warm evening.

Aidan picked her up with his red Tesla roadster. He had left the top three buttons of his light blue shirt open to reveal quite a bit of his tanned chest. Hailey gave Aidan a firm hug, then struggled to sit still on the passenger seat. Just a few weeks ago, she could only have dreamed about a party at such a bougie location, topped off with a hot guy as her company. Now that her dreams had come true, Hailey was determined and ready to enjoy every second of the night to come.

The Corium was everything she had imagined and more. When Hailey approached the grim looking bouncer, she was overcome by an irrational wave of anxiety. There was no way someone like her would be welcomed at a playground for rich kids. But holding on to Aidan’s arm, she wasn’t only let in, but sent straight to the VIP section. The design was modern and industrial, resembling a futuristic reactor. The black, white and silver interior was lit up with an eerie blue glow.

They started off their party night with tequila espresso martini and a large plate of sushi. Even though Hailey had thrown up an even bigger portion of it during their disastrous yacht trip, it was still her favorite food. The Corium had a kitchen area behind a glass wall where the guests could watch the chefs prepare the made to order delicacies. The ingredients screamed high quality and since the club wasn’t located on a boat, there seemed to be no risk of getting sick this time.

„Thank you so much, this is in-cre-di-ble!“, Hailey beamed with joy. She couldn’t remember having ever felt so special before in her life.

„You look incredible“, Aidan smiled back, then used his chopsticks to pick up a California roll. „Everyone‘s staring at you and I can’t blame them.“

„You really think so?“ Hailey’s eyes became even wider. „Everyone’s so pretty here and I was scared I wouldn’t fit it.“

„No, baby, you’re gorgeous. And even cuter when you blush like that.“

„That’s because you compliment me all the time.“ Hailey shoved an entire tako nigiri into her mouth, only to instantly regret it when she realized there was no way to chew it gracefully.

„Honestly, places like this are just… normal to me.“ Aidan shrugged his shoulders and stroked back his dark hair. „I’ve been to hundreds of clubs, it’s nothing special anymore. But when you’re excited, so am I.“

„I am!“ Hailey reached out for Aidan’s hand. „Sometimes I feel bad because you keep on inviting me and everything looks so expensive, but I really, really love it. All of it. It’s always so much fun with you. Not just because of the expensive-ness.“

„Hey, it’s fine. I don’t think you’re taking advantage of me. I enjoy this just as much as you do. Especially when you’re that adorable.“ With his hand that wasn’t holding on to Hailey’s, Aidan picked up another maki roll and put it right in front of the blonde’s lips. She gladly took in the whole thing, this time without being ashamed of it. If Aidan liked her the way she was, there was no need to be nervous.

After making a little game out of feeding each other surprise sushi rolls, they ordered another round of cocktails and kept on chatting for a while. Hailey’s glass was only half finished when she suddenly squealed and started to fidget on the comfortable leather seat.

„I love this song so much! Can we dance, like, right now?“

„Sure. Don’t worry, no one’s going to spike our drinks or steal our stuff, the personnel will have a close eye on it.“

Barely listening to his reassurance, Hailey jumped up on her pink glitter heels and pulled Aidan towards the dancefloor. By now she had forgotten about how intimidating the club had been at first glance. She dove headfirst into the mesmerizing blend of sound and light and Aidan’s body right next to her. The dazzling sequin shards on her dress swung with every move, joining in on her dance. When Hailey‘s favorite song seamlessly merged into the next, she didn’t even think about returning to their booth. The rhythm pulsing out of the speakers fired her up like electricity.

Everything was great until it wasn’t.

Hailey was so immersed in the music that she didn’t notice when Aidan stopped dancing. She bumped against him and turned around with a smile, only to find him frozen in place with the weirdest expression on his face. His gaze seemed lost while he moved his lips and jaw like he was trying to dislodge food stuck between his teeth with his tongue.

„Are you okay?“ Hailey had to ask twice, almost shouting the second time. The song that made her float only seconds ago was now drowning out her voice.

„…itchy“, was all she understood.

„What do you mean?“

For a moment, Aidan just stared into the void, wide-eyed and pale. Then, without further warning, a surge of vomit erupted from his mouth. It was expelled in a perfect arc like water from a fountain and splashed all over the silk satin dress of a young woman dancing next to him. The platinum blonde screeched and jumped back as the wave of puke forcefully hit her chest, splattering back from the shiny fabric.

When the massive wave finally ebbed away, Aidan was left with his mouth still open, baffled and in obvious disbelief that this huge mess had just come out of him. He didn’t even say anything – barely had time for it before the victim of his sudden projectile vomit gave him a resounding slap in the face.

„You ruined my dress!“

„Leave him alone!“ Hailey bravely stepped in front of Aidan, even though her body and voice were both trembling. „He – he’s sick, he didn’t mean to… and I’m sure he will pay for dry cleaning.“

„Good luck“, the woman hissed, piercing Hailey with a murderous glare. „This is Prada. Your disgusting scum of a boyfriend barfed all over my Prada dress!“

„I-it’s fine, I promise“, Hailey stuttered, but didn’t back away. „He has enough money. He… he just sold his yacht. Please, stop screaming, I – I have to take care of him.“

Feeling increasingly worried and overwhelmed, Hailey turned around to check on Aidan. She still couldn’t fathom what was going on. Aidan barely had two cocktails in his system, there was no way he was drunk enough to throw up. They had both shared the same plate, so the sushi couldn’t be the culprit either. Plus he had been feeling perfectly fine only seconds before spilling his stomach contents on the angry lady that kept on huffing behind her back.

Aidan had one hand placed on his stomach, the other one on his chest. He still seemed confused, thoroughly shaken by what was going on inside of him. Hailey gently placed her hand on his arm.

„How are you? Can… can you hear me? Please, say something.“

After blinking several times, Aidan finally turned towards Hailey. There was an expression of fear in his eyes that Hailey had never seen there before.

„Some… something’s… wrong“, he stammered.

„We… we should probably sit down and you should drink some water, okay?“ Hailey nervously took a hold of his arm, trying to pull him back to their booth. A waiter approached them, but he was immediately grabbed by Mrs. Spoilt Prada Dress.

„I… I think I need to be sick again“, Aidan moaned. Hailey felt a wave of panic washing over her.

„No, please, not here.“ She frantically looked around until she saw a neon sign pointing towards the restrooms. „Come one, you can throw up in the toilet, not on the dancefloor. Or… on people.“

Hailey‘s pleading request broke Aidan’s paralysis and he stumbled along with her. The hand that had been resting right unter his throat quickly moved up to his lips. It was enough of a warning signal for the horrified spectators and sensationalist gawkers to clear the way. Hailey noticed that the arm she held on to felt strange. The skin was warm and bumpy, but there was no time to take a closer look. She desperately wanted to get Aidan out of the VIP room before he could spew on another person’s unaffordable dress.

Out of habit, Hailey headed towards the ladies‘ room and pushed the door wide open. At this point, Aiden’s body was hitching with frequent heaves. His fingers clasped his lips so desperately that his arm was quivering. Two women in very short and very sparkly dresses spun around as Hailey shoved Aidan towards the stalls.

„Ew, get a room!“, a curly haired brunette protested. Then she recognized the impending disaster and her face fell. „Oh no. No, no, no. I’m out of here.“

At that moment Hailey was tearing up. She just couldn’t help it. Why was everybody so mean? It was bad enough that Aidan had become violently ill, desperately needing help and comfort. Instead, they were treated like repulsive vermin. The other guests probably assumed that Aidan was drunk or high and therefore to blame for his own misery. Or they just didn’t want to be bothered.

„We‘re almost there, hold it in“, Hailey begged as Aidan let out a wet gag. The very next second, he broke free from her grip and plunged towards the toilet stall. Aidan fell on his knees, not caring at all if he would get his white pants dirty on the public restroom floor. Which said a lot about how bad he was feeling. His body jerked with a violent retch, followed by the pattering noise of liquid hitting liquid.

Hailey waited for a sense of relief that Aidan had actually made it to the toilet, but all she felt was gut wrenching dread as the bright overhead lights granted her a better view of Aidan’s arms. His skin was covered in patches of red, slightly raised hives. Feeling like her legs would give in any second, Hailey knelt down beside him and gingerly rubbed his back.

Aidan’s mouth was hanging open, ready to let out more of his regurgitated stomach contents. He was sent into a coughing bout instead. His body was shaken by series of hacks and heaves, not granting him time to catch his breath. Scared that some of his barely digested lunch had been stuck in Aiden‘s throat, Hailey struck him between the shoulder blades several times with her flat hand. Aidan coughed even harsher, then finally something dislodged in his gullet and he spluttered chunks of rice, nori and uncooked fish.

„Yes, get it out, please get it all out“, Hailey encouraged him with a quavering, high-pitched voice. And he did. Once the passage had been unclogged, another gush of brownish fluid followed right away, sprinkling the porcellain bowl with ground up sushi. When the wave was over, Aidan was still wheezing, desperately gasping for air. His face was puffier than usual and while one of his hands held on to the toilet seat, the other one clutched his throat. He still couldn’t breathe properly and his expression left no doubt that he was terrified.

Hailey burst into tears. She knew it only made things worse and she cursed herself for it, but she couldn’t hold it back anymore. At this point, she felt sick to her stomach as well. Overcome with helplessness, she hugged Aidan’s shivering body and pressed her face against his back.

„You have to breathe, please, just breathe“, she sobbed. If only Camila was here, she would know what to do. But Camila was working a night shift, and even if she didn’t, Hailey had left her phone in her bag. If she wanted to fetch it, she had to leave Aidan. What if he would suffocate all alone or lose consciousness and choke on his own vomit or…

A sudden knock disrupted her spiraling thoughts.

„Are you guys okay in there?“ The voice behind the door didn’t sound menacing or judging at all. It was warm and genuinely concerned. „Do you need help?“

„M-maybe.“ Hailey wiped away her tears and a bit of snot. „He… he’s so sick. He can’t stop throwing up and… and… he can barely breathe. I don’t know what to do.“

„Can I come in?“

„Yes, please. The… the door isn’t locked.“ Hailey tried to put on a brave face. She gently patted Aidan’s back as his strained panting turned into retches again. Gladly, the stall was big enough for the stranger to open the door wide enough to fit through the gap. It was one of the women they had startled with their hasty entrance – the one that hadn’t snapped at them. Her silver dress rustled as she slid in.

„What’s wrong with him?“, she asked. Aidan answered with a throaty gag, his head sinking deeper into the bowl. „Oh my. That is bad.“ Without hesitation, the woman removed her hair tie. She swiftly smoothed back Aidan’s hair and secured it into a messy bun. „Priorities, I know.“ She gave Hailey an apologetic smile, then instantly became serious again. „Looks like a severe allergic reaction to me. We should definitely call an ambulance.“

„Did – did I wait too long?“ Hailey’s lip began to tremble again. „I didn’t even think of… I’m so dumb.“

„No, it’s okay, sweetie. You did nothing wrong.“ The stranger gently brushed her cheek. „I’m Daphne. Can you tell me what he ate? That might be important.“

„Sushi. He… he ordered it because of me.“ A new flood of tears blurred Hailey’s vision. She felt guilty, even more so as Aidan winced in pain while he coughed up another thick stream of curdled rice soup. Daphne promptly shoved her hand under his forehead to prevent him from falling into the chunky mess that filled the bowl. „But… I don’t understand… he has eaten sushi before and he never got sick.“

„I think you can develop a food allergy as an adult. Can you hold up his head?“

Hailey nodded and carefully secured Aidan’s face over the toilet while he vomited again.

„You’ll be fine, I’m here, just let it out, it’s gonna be alright“, she soothed both him and herself. Meanwhile, Daphne had dug her phone out of her bag and called 911. She explained the situation brief, yet concisely.

„They’re on their way“, Daphne assured after hanging up. She began to stroke both Aidan’s back and Hailey’s arm. „It won’t take long, they say it’s probably anaphylaxis.“

Hailey had no idea what that meant and she didn’t dare to ask. She huddled up against Aidan as closely as possible while still supporting his exhausted body. As long as she felt his tensing, quivering muscles, his strained gasps, even his painful retches, she knew that he was alive. And he would be okay. He had to be okay.

It barely took the ambulance five minutes to arrive – thanks to the downtown location, probably –, but it still felt like an eternity to Hailey. Then the flow of time shifted dramatically and everything happened all at once. As soon as they heard the paramedics rush in, Daphne helped Hailey to straighten up Aidan and drag him to the side so they could fully open the toilet stall door. Three EMTs moved Aidan out of the confined area, checked his pulse and airways, then got out something that looked like a tube of glue at first glance. They firmly jabbed it against Aidan’s outer thigh.

„…breathing, but unresponsive“, was the only thing Hailey heard over the static that filled her head. Two men lifted Aidan on a stretcher and secured him in the recovery position.

„Can… can I stay with him?“ In a frenzy, Hailey got back on her heels, almost losing one of them in the process. The thought of leaving Aidan alone, not knowing if he would be alright, sent an immediate rush of panic through her nervous system.

„You can ride on the passenger seat, might be helpful for further questions. But you have to remain calm. Don’t worry, we will take good care of him now.“

„Let’s get your bags while they carry him to the ambulance“, Daphne reminded Hailey. She nodded, then hurried back to the main area on wobbly legs. The fear of running into the angry dancefloor lady crossed her mind, but gratefully, they made it out of the club unscathed. Before Hailey entered the front cabin, she gave Daphne a firm hug.

„Thank you so much. I… I couldn’t have done this without you.“

„You did great. Take care, I hope he will get well soon.“ After one more encouraging pat on Hailey’s shoulder, Daphne stepped back to let the blonde climb into the ambulance. Hailey was still shaking, her perception blurred behind a hazy curtain. The sequins on her dress rattled softly as the car headed off into the night.

Hailey did her best to navigate through her foggy mind as she answered the hospital staff’s questions and recounted the events as detailed as possible. When she was finally allowed into Aidan’s room, he still looked absolutely drained, but at least he was awake and alert again. A clear liquid dripped through an IV tube straight into the back of his hand. His lips curled into a tired smile as his gaze fell on Hailey.

„I thought our party night could use a little more excitement“, he rasped, „and I really wanted to keep our puking tradition alive.“

„How… are you feeling?“, Hailey asked cautiously.

„Better. Much better, actually.“ Aidan‘s fingers rubbed the rash covering his arm. „I know, I probably don’t look that way and it’s hard not to scratch. Other than that, I am fine, I just need to carry an epipen with me from now on.“

For a moment, Hailey stood motionless at his bedside. She swallowed heavily, trying to hold herself together, but she ultimately failed to stop her eyes from overflowing with tears. Sinking down on the mattress, she threw her arms around Aidan’s neck and pressed her face against his shoulder.

„Sorry, I’m so sorry“, she sobbed. Aidan pulled her into a tight embrace, stroking her hair.

„Wait, what are you apologizing for? You did everything to help me. You took care of me the entire time, heck, you even defended me against that raging woman.“

„But… but… you ordered that sushi because I like it, and then… I should have called a doctor earlier, I.. I just… couldn’t think.“

„There was no way you could have known this.“ Aidan placed a gentle kiss on the back of Hailey’s head. „I didn’t know. Doctor said it happens sometimes, your body is perfectly fine with some foods and then, boom, allergy overkill. Could have been the fish, the soy sauce, even the sesame, they don’t know yet. But they treated me in time and I’m so grateful that you stayed with me, I really, really am.“

„O-okay.“ Hailey hadn’t expected she would ever be so relieved to simply feel Aidan‘s chest rising and falling with a steady breath. „I just hope no one in the club gave the girl you threw up on your name and adress. She said her dress was crazy expensive.“

„Don’t worry, it won’t be anything I can’t afford“, Aidan calmed her down. Then, all of a sudden, he broke into a chuckle. „And, let’s be real – that dress was hideous anyways.“

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Archive of our own: Up all night to get Bucky

tumblr: birdnamedenza

#submission #tw allergic reaction #tw medical situations #tw vomit #tw medical issue #tw emeto #birdnamedenza #nov(emeto)ber 2022 #novemetober 2022 #thank you for your submission!! <3 #i love hailey actually #my toxic trait is loving people who care too much and think too little :)#fandom: original characters #prompt: terrified caretaker #2022 day1

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ao3feed-itafushi · 4 months

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Espresso Shots

by writingovertime Oneshots taking place in the 300 Takeout Coffees Later. Main fic should be read first, but oneshots may take place before, during, and after the fic universe. Words: 2179, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime), 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Manga) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M, Multi Characters: Nanami Kento, Gojo Satoru, Itadori Yuuji, Fushiguro Megumi, Okkotsu Yuuta, Zenin Maki, Kugisaki Nobara Relationships: Gojo Satoru/Nanami Kento, Fushiguro Megumi/Itadori Yuuji, Itadori Yuuji & Nanami Kento Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Parental Gojo Satoru, Parental Nanami Kento, Gojo Satoru is a Little Shit from AO3 works tagged 'Fushiguro Megumi/Itadori Yuuji' https://ift.tt/MVhYqJ3

#IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #itafushi #itadori yuuji #fushiguro megumi #jujutsu kaisen #jjk #fushiita

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lonelypond · 5 months

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fOOLs

NicoMaki, KotoUmi, HonoUmi, KotoHonoUmi, Love Live, 6.6K, 1/1

Summary: An experimental play, A Midsummer Night's Dream mischief mixing with μ's and chess. Kotori and Umi are clashing. Kotori uses magic to mess up everyone's night. Nico has to fix it all before dawn or become Nozomi's pet. Eli is confused. Maki is helpful in the least helpful way. But she has a keyboard. Honoka and Rin bound their way through. Hanayo is a little lost. And very hungry.

fOOls

Act I, sc i

Two women are rushing the front door, they collide, glare at each other. The shorter steps back, glares, then bulls forward again at the same time, juggling an overstuffed bag and a stack of things. The taller one finally sighs and opens the door.

Nico: (curt) Thanks.

Maki (shrugs),

Nico puts her papers down on the center table, taking up all the space, calling to the barista.

Nico: All the coffee please.

Nozomi: You’re not our only customer, Nico-chi.

Nico: I’m your most likely to be famous customer working an impossible deadline so all the coffee please.

Maki (standing at counter): There’s a line. I’m first. I’ll take a macchiato.

Nico: Give her nothing (shoves past with hip)

Maki: I’m sorry, but technically that’s an assault.

Nico: It’s a check. Sit Nico in the penalty box.

Maki steps back.

Nozomi: Please treat people less rudely.

Nico: Nico treats everyone the same.

Maki: Henry Higgins.

Nico: Who?

Maki: My Fair Lady. Professor Higgins. Treat a duchess like a shopgirl and a shopgirl like a duchess.

Nozomi (leans over counter): Nico-chi, aren’t you the great American hope for theatre. How could you not know that?

Nico: Professor First in Line here just surprised me, that’s all.Nico is very familiar with all musicals. “I could have danced all night” is a total bop.

Maki: What the hell does that mean besides you throw slang at every thing?

Nico: It means gets stuck in your head, gets your feet moving, spins you through an incandescent, irreplaceable, irrepresible musical moment. (grabs Maki’s hand and spins her. Maki falls into a chair, clutches her bag to her chest and glares.)

Nozomi pushes the biggest mug they have over the counter.

Nozomi: Here, Nico, stop harassing the new customers.

Nico: If she comes back, can …

Nozomi: One macchiato.

Maki works her way cautiously to the counter, obviously avoiding Nico, who continues to hum, suddenly breaking out into song. Maki rushes back to her seat, deliberately turning her chair away from Nico.

Door opens, Eli Ayase rushes in very abrupt, very focused, pushes through Nico like she doesn’t see her.

Nico: Hey!

Eli: Quad espresso

Nozomi: Love the suit. Why are you in such a rush?

Eli: I save time by not sharing my life with strangers.

Nico: (snorts) (moves into Maki’s vicinity, spreads out paperwork)

Nozomi: ooohh, the icy type.

RIn and Hanayo and Honoka fall through the door, followed by Umi. Nozomi immediately drops her focus from Eli.

Nozomi: Hey, you shouldn’t be here. She’s due in any minute.

Honoka: The sign said ‘Open!”

Nico: I don’t think she’s talking to you.

Eli (looks at watch): Can I get my drink, please?

Honoka: Hey, Rin, what do you want?

Rin: Coconut milk cause I’m a nutty cat.

Hanayo (giggles and pets Rin’s head): You’re so cute.

Honoka: Okay, she’ll take a coconut milk and I’ll have something super tall and sugary and…

Nozomi ignores them all, moves from the counter to confront Umi.

Nozomi: Did you hear me?

Umi: Yes. But I no longer come and go at her whims.

Nozomi: She’s going to whim you right into another dimension.

Eli (approaches behind Nozomi, taps on shoulder): Is there a manager I can complain to?

Nozomi: (over her shoulder) Yes, me. I’ll take your phone number.

Nico snickers and taps Maki.

Nico: Just watch.

Maki: I’d rather not.

Nico: But Nozomi is relentless when it comes to torturing the women who end up on her radar.

Maki (arch): And I should care…

Nico: Because it’s god tier drama, with a side of revenge porn for dessert.

Nozomi: (glares at Nico): Just porn, Nico-chi, no revenge necessary, I never get complaints.

Nico: Or second dates.

Nozomi: I don’t recycle, not plastics, not playthings.

Nico whistles. Maki turns to her.

Maki: Is this a friend of yours?

Nico: Is a friend someone you hope doesn’t spill a hot drink on you?

Maki: That’s not the dictionary definition, no.

Nico: Then, not friend.

Meanwhile Rin and Honoka have ended up behind the counter.

Rin: I worked as a barista. I can make coffee.

Honoka: Looks pretty simple. We just pull this here and…

(loud whooshing noise, cloud of steam)

Nozomi whirls.

Nozomi: Touch nothing.

Returns to counter, picks up Rin and Honoka and dumps them on the other side, pulls four espresso shots for Eli.

Nozomi: Here. Bet it’s good. Everything I do is.

Eli: I just need hot and strong.

Nozomi: Exactly.

Eli: (slides card through, ignores Nozomi).

Door opens, Kotori steps through, everyone but Nozomi and Umi freeze.

Nozomi: Boss.

Kotori (in the softest, gentlest voice as she crosses in Umi’s face): Bitch.

Umi: I’m not the one with a (points to Nozomi) procurer.

Nozomi: Fancy. Cool kids say wingwoman.

Umi: (glares) She’s married.

Nozomi: That’s more a you problem than a me problem.

Kotori: I don’t want to fight, Umi. Can you feel that storm Umi? That’s what happens when we fight. All the world feels it, all the world storms, all the world.

Umi: Once you told me all the world loved when we loved.

Kotori: And they do.

Umi: You didn’t say they would all love you.

Kotori: (hand on shoulder, or something) Isn’t it easy to do, Umi-chan?

Moment, audience is very aware of everyone frozen, holding their breath, even Nozomi.

Umi: Too easy. (steps back, breaks the spell, everyone comes to)

Eli (taps Kotori on the shoulder): If you’re the owner, I have a complaint but no time to register it right now. But I’ll be back.

Kotori: (waves Eli off, her attention on an Umi who has turned her back to her and approached Nico)

Umi: Hello, Yazawa.

Nico: Sonoda.

Umi: Are you still in search of a collaborator?

Nico (shoots to her feet): Are you interested? (smooths down shirt or skirt or…) Of course, Nico has other offers, but…

Umi: (pulls a notebook out of her bag) Can you do anything with this?

Kotori is watching, closely.

Nico flips through…

Nico: Yeah, maybe...might need some music, but Nico’s connected...you don’t look like a poet.

Umi: What does a poet look like?

Nico (gives Umi and once over and glances back at Maki who is untucked, biting on a pencil or some other nervous habit, twisting her hair, and working on a score): Messier.

Umi: I leave that for my emotions.

Nico (chuckles): Good one. Now sit down and sell me on this phrase.

Kotori fades back to the counter.

Nozomi: I like Nico.

Kotori (pouts)

Nozomi: What about those two? (points at Rin and Honoka who are doing some kind of stupid, messy physical challenge)

Kotori: Oh, that would be far too messy for Umi…(baited pause, exchange of glance) perfect.

Kotori opens her bag and takes out some fabric and thread, waves a hand, throws a weave, a quick flash of light and a light gauze mask is laid over her hand.

Kotori: and now we move some pawns…(points at Honoka, snaps at door)

Honoka (rushes Umi and Nico’s table): are you working on a show? Because I’m an actress.

Eli (comes back in, furious): This is the worst tasting thing I have ever had.

Kotori snaps again, light fun, everyone freezes.

Kotori (with a giggle): I’ll do Umi; you do Madame Angry Hot.

Nozomi: Gladly.

Bit of stage business where Eli and Umi are both masked; Kotori possibly leads Umi in a dance; Nozomi possibly gropes Eli before she pauses with a mischievous look and moves her to Maki’s table.

Honoka is eagerly leaning into Umi’s view at the freeze and when Kotori steps back, continues.

Honoka: I need something to post. I’m alllll out of ideas and I promised my followers I’d post something new every week so if you’ve got any ideas…

Umi: How breathtakingly beautiful you are. What’s your name?

Nico: Really, I’d say she's kinda cute.

Umi (shakes head): No, a fresh breath of beauty like 1000 sakura petals released on a breath of wind to flutter with hope in the air, transversing the globe, never sullied by the ground, always lifting our dreams.

Honoka: ooohh, that’s fancy. Now could you say it like regular people?

(A moment)

Umi: Like a flower that never lands on earth, you hold all my hopes in the palm of your petal like hand, your fingers caressing my dreams as they guard them. (raised Honoka’s hand to her lips)

Honoka (turns to Nico): Write that down.

Nico: I’m not your secretary.

(Maki snorts which triggers a ‘lovestruck’ Eli out of her trance where she was staring at Maki)

Eli: My queen.

Maki: (jumps, startled) Who are you?

Eli: a mere pawn.

Nico can’t decide who to glare at more.

Nico: DId everyone’s brain die from food poisoning?

Nozomi: Just a little (looks at Kotori) Spring in the air.

Nico (deciding to glare most at Eli): So why’s no one noticing Nico. Nico is very noticeable..

Maki: Annoyingly so…(knocks down Eli’s hand) hey, hands off...I’m moving.

Eli: And I shall follow.

Nico and Maki in unison: Oh my god.

Act I, sc ii

Nico and Maki rush in again, hitting the door at the same time, Nico with an even bigger pile of things.

Nico: Where’s your stalker?

Maki: I don’t know. Let me help you.

Nico: I don’t know. Can you?

Maki glares down at Nico, mutters something.

Nico: What was that?

Maki (opens door) probably nothing can.

Nico: Charming.

Maki continues to hold door, watching Nico throw her pile on the same table, and call out to Nozomi, once again behind the counter.

Nico: Make it a vat.

Nozomi: Sounds medieval.

Nico: Make it a liter.

Nozomi: Sounds European.

Nico (Charges the counter): Make it IMMEDIATELY.

Nozomi shakes her head, laughing.

Nozomi: Always so Nico Nico Needy.

Nico: Hey, lips off my catch phrase.

Nozomi: How about….

Nico just stares down Nozomi, Maki behind her, and Nozomi shrugs.

Nozomi: Your loss.

Nico: Look at me, continuing to be STD free.

Nozomi: Ha! I did you a favor yesterday. There’s a reason your friend there has the icicle follower not you.

Nico: How is that a favor for Nico?

Nozomi: When Kotori acts out, it tends to go badly for everyone involved.

Nico: I stay out of domestic disputes.

Maki: Can I have a caramel macchiato today.

Nico: (turns) Are you going through the menu in order?

Maki: Maybe.

Nico: Why?

Eli rushes in, a little more undone than the day before. Throws herself at the counter, pushing Nico to the side, and much louder than polite.

Eli: I’ll have what my queen is having and pay for both.

Nico (grabs drink, moves to table): Loser.

Maki: I don’t need you to…

Eli (flips so she’s facing Maki): It is my pleasure.

Maki: (to Nozomi): I really don’t want her to pay.

Nozomi: Okay.

Eli (with card out, tapping on the counter): I insist. And there’s a big tip for you.

Nozomi: (shrugs): what’s a pawn to do?

Maki: No one even plays chess here. If there was a board, it turned to dust from disuse.

Nico: Knight on A3.

Maki stares at Nico.

Nico; (shrugs) My little brother’s a fan. So Nico learned to think several moves ahead.

Rin and Honoka fall through the door, followed by Umi

Rin: What are we talking about.

Nico: Nothing.

Maki: (to Eli, as Maki moves behind Nico) Go away.

Nozomi: (with an odd look at Nico) Chess.

Honoka: Oh, I know chess. (strikes a pose) King Me.

Umi has moved closer to Honoka. Umi is still wearing the mask.

Nozomi: No, the one with the queen.

(Next three comments overlap)

Umi: You can be my queen.

Nico: Enough with queens.

Honoka: Like a drag queen?

Nozomi: One night in Bangkok.

Rin: Bang COCK.

Nico: Oh my god.

Maki: I am going to forget I was ever here. And all of you. Wiped from existence in my memory.

Nozomi: (crumples with laughter): I get my kicks below...

Nico: (through forced teeth): no one wants to know.

Rin: Is it a rooster? Is it a prick? Isn’t that weird, going to gas station and thinking about that all the time when you stick the nozzle in.

Nico: I don’t think people think about that all the time.

Rin: Isn’t that why they designed it that way?

Nozomi is practically on the floor,

Nico: No.

Umi approaches the counter.

Umi: Please mix up your finest… (glances to Honoka)

Honoka: (perking up at the thought of sustenance) Unicorn Sparklefruit. And a cookie. Can I get a cookie.

Umi: (Very gravely): You must have all the cookies. All the cookies for my Queen, Nozomi.

NICO: NO QUEENS.

Maki: (hisses) Be less dramatic.

Nico: I’m getting a dripping guillotine tattoo. Let them eat cookies.

Maki: You mean cake.

Nico: I mean that’s annoying (pointing to Umi fluttering eyelashes at Honoka, who is juggling cookies and tossing them at Rin).

Maki: Fair.

Nico: Thank you.

Kotori (walks in, with a giggling Hanayo on her arm) straight up to Umi, speaks once again, in the softest voice imaginable) Bitch

Umi: I already know your name.

Nico (stares): woah

Umi: Come with me, Honoka. We should find someplace private.

Honoka (mouth full of cookies): ooohh, just give me a minute. Hey, Rin, I thought you were going to come as PussyKate.

Rin: (glances around) This might not be the crowd.

Honoka (Grabs Rin): Hey, everyone, you’re okay with my buddy here being herself right.

Eli: (with a lean toward Maki): I only feel like myself now, when I’m looking at you.

Maki: No. (heads to bathroom)

Umi: And I only felt like myself yesterday, for the first time, when I saw you, Honoka, and how you glowed as bright as the sun over a summer noon. Winter melted, and overleapt Spring, and your heat melted all of the ice that had scarred my heart.

Honoka (wide, worried eyes): Did it hurt?

Umi (grabs Honoka, drags toward bathroom) Come with me, my love.

Kotori, with Hanayo, heads to Nozomi, Nico watches Maki disappear, glares at Eli, then sigh/vents as Umi disappears too.

Nico: So what’s this ‘PussyKate?’ You roller derby or something?

Rin: No, that would be cool though, wouldn’t it?

Hanayo (through a mouthful of cookies, becoming a little interested in Rin as Kotori is now paying no attention to her): It might be a little scary.

Rin (pulls Hanayo to her feet, whips her round as best can be done wheel-less): Nah, it’d be superfun.

Hanayo: SOMEBODY SAVE ME!

Rin (just laughs and whirls her partner)

Nozomi: That does look superfun. C’mon, Nico, I haven’t seen you dance in ages.

Nico: That’s because this isn’t a club, no DJ, just coffee, which Nico needs a refill of…

Nozomi pulls Nico to her feet: Dance, first.

Nico becomes immoveable, arms crossed, very out of sorts, Eli wakes up from another trance, discovers Maki has gone and begins to look around the room. Nozomi grabs her.

Nozomi: You’re very buttoned up.

Eli: Control is essential. Emotions stain and strain and….

Nozomi: Sounds like laundry and buttons and…(snaps top 3 or so buttons from Eli’s shirt) More freedom solves that, you can move, emotions can fly out into the world (spins Eli)

Eli: My Queen is probably lonely.

Kotori (sitting on counter, very prim, very pretty, very not pleased): Now why can’t Umi be like that?

We hear (if we can’t see) Eli singing something silly like “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” or “Witchcraft” or “Heart and Soul” or…?

Nozomi: Have you asked her?

Kotori huffs; Nico’s still glaring.

Kotori: She spends her time with…

Nico: And you spend your time with (gesture to Hanayo, still dancing with Rin) Have you read any of your wife’s poems?

Nozomi: Ooh, a quiz, this will go well.

Kotori (with a hair toss): No, she won’t share them.

Nico: They’re full of...longing. Of love. Of loveliness. All of this she finds in a very particular person, who always seems to be shattering and slipping away from her, like scattered clouds across a liquid moon. (Nico pauses, taps counter or something) That’s a quote.

Kotori: Umi’s?

Nico nods.

Maki has come back, shoving Eli and ends up in the middle of Rin and Hanayo, who are still dancing. Umi and Honoka come out of the bathroom, Umi all over Honoka, who is grinning goofily.

Kotori: Why don’t I know that?

Nico (shrugs): Who were you paying attention to? Umi or whatever willowy, whispering wisp wandered by?

Nozomi is leaning over the counter: Nico…

Nico: No, Nico is not going to be quiet. (she picks up Umi’s book) It’s so beautiful and you (points at Kotori, then Umi) scorn her, shame her, when you should be sweeping away her tears.

Maki has frozen, is watching Nico.

Honoka has released from Umi, to pick RIn up.

Honoka: C’mon, Rin, let’s get your suit.

Eli: Maki, let me buy you the best…

Kotori: STOP.

Everyone freezes but Kotori, Nico, and Nozomi.

Kotori: Show me.

Nico: What?

Nozomi: Oh, Nico-chi…

Nico: (snaps) Shut up.

Kotori: (approaches Nico, with Umi’s book, slaps Nico with it): Show me this fondness of feelings, this wealth of wonder, this salve of sorrow. Here are your actors.

Nico: Are you crazy?

Kotori (looking a little crazy): I am the Queen. Empowered. Ruling. (quick snap, magic effect) And if you don’t do this, I will make you crawl lower than either the blonde or Umi for Nozomi here. Check, little knight.

Nozomi: ooh, a pet. I’ve always wanted a pet just this tall (holds up hand to Nico’s head).

Kotori (wild light in her eyes, freezes Nico) Pet. (goes to Honoka and Rin): Come back real.

Honoka and Rin head out the main door; Kotori goes back to Nico.

Kotori: Now show me. Here are your actors. I can command them to do your bidding.

Nico: Just let Nico handle it.

Nozomi: You don’t want magic.

Nico: Nico has her own magic (opens the book).

Kotori (for the third time, as if sealing a spell) Show me.

Act II, sc i

Nico and Maki meet at the door of the coffeeshop, Maki juggling a keyboard. Nico glares, Maki stares pointedly, Nico after a moment, sighs and opens the door. Maki nods happily as if a decision has been made.

Nico: What’s that thing? A prop.

Maki: Keyboard. You need music.

Nico: Nico sings. Don’t need anything but Nico.

Maki: I’ll play. You have poetry, right? People like lyrics better, you know, with the music added in.

Nico: Poetry’s fine.

Maki (sets up on table): Music’s better.

Nozomi: Are we getting a DJ?

Nico: We are getting exactly what Nico says. And Nico didn’t say piano. (to Nozomi) Now, get me something that’ll make me buzz. (to Maki) And put that thing away.

Maki is setting up, ignoring Nico, playing something. She walks over, grabs the book out of Nico’s hands, reads a page, and starts humming.

Nico: HEY!

Maki (shrugs)

Nozomi (in a REALLY bad fake whisper) Nico-chi, that one’s hot enough you should just let her do whatever she wants.

Nico: She’d be hotter if she did what Nico wants.

Maki (raises an eyebrow, continues to play, half smirking)

Eli bounds in, having switched to ballet clothes, some dance sequence across the room, down on one knee with a grand gesture in front of Maki): You play a siren song as I dash against your granite heart.

Nico: (leans against counter as she grabs her drink) Got anything that will knock dancing and dazed out?

Nozomi: Can’t take the competition?

Nico: (quick gesture indicating NICO!, shakes head) Whole different league, hon.

Nozomi snorts.

Rin, Honoka, and Hanayo fall in, followed by Umi, obviously fawning over Honoka, who now has a collar and dog ears, Rin is either in a cat fursuit or ears and a tail and makeup, depending on budget and costumer.

Nico: Give ‘em an hour and they change species.

Nozomi: Some nights are like that.

Maki: (howls)

Eli: (has approached counter) Two espressos, one for me, one for my…

Nico grabs Eli by the tutu, ruffle, or something: Just step off, TinkerSwell, maybe Billy Joel’s a tea drinker.

Maki: Actually, I am.

Nico: See. Get Baryishnikov a muzzle. And Rachmaninoff some tea.

MAki: Maki.

Nico: (shakes head)

Meanwhile, Honoka has been playfully butting her head against Umi, who is liberally petting her. And Hanayo has approached the counter.

Hanyo: Milk please, and a hot chocolate.

Nozomi: Hot chocolate. Hey, do you like hot chocolate, Eli-chi?

Eli: Love it in the winter.

Kotori enters, hears winter, snaps fingers, and suddenly the temperature drops. Nico, with her cardigan, is really the only one dressed for it. Kotori once again, approaches Umi, pulls out a leash, snaps it on Honoka’s collar, and whispers in the softest voice possible: Bitch.

Umi: And she’s a beauty.

Kotori: I was referring to you.

Hanayo hops up happily, Rin following, Honoka is picking up on the tension and getting nervous

Umi: Still true. Excuse me, I have business. And you gave her to me. (puts her hand on Kotori’s to prevent her pulling the leash and kneels to free Honoka)

Hanayo: Hi, Kotori!

Kotori: (side glance, very dismissive) I’m done with you.

Honoka and Rin bump noses, Rin hisses as Kotori jerks back from Umi, Rin slashes at Honoka, and then Honoka gives chase, half dragging Kotori, who ends up in a heap on the floor, Hanayo has fallen too.

Nozomi: Your actors have assembled.

Nico: (head in hands): Yeah.

Eli is once again staring at Maki in a trance like state, Maki pointedly turned to ignore her.

Maki begins to sing one of Umi’s poems.

Sakura soft touch Fluttering my pulse, my heart Whipped by a bare branch

No sakura spring For me, please, the wind is too You, sharp and cruel

Umi: Did you compose that?

Maki: Yes.

Umi: It’s lovely. You really understand the melancholy, there’s the yearning in minor.

Maki: (Nods, looks at Nico): Yearning.

Umi (pulls out a pen): Let me work that into something. Can you add some bright? For the lightness of Spring.

They consult over a paper; Eli is crying, has possibly tried to hug Maki and been shoved off. Meanwhile, Honoka has rushed to Kotori and Rin has rushed to Hanayo.

Honoka and Rin (with big, bright, caring eyes): I’m so sorry. Are you okay?

Kotori: (just stares)

Hanayo: You’re so sweet.

Rin helps her up. Honoka is holding a hand out to help Kotori.

Honoka: Please let me…(stops, it’s a strange mood Honoka can’t read)

Kotori (after a pause, reaches up): Okay.

Nozomi: Well, this is interesting.

Nico: I don’t have time for interesting. (stares at Maki) Turns out, I’m directing a musical.

Act II, sc ii

Nico: standing over Maki on the keyboard; Rin, Honoka, and Hanayo are reading scripts, Umi is sitting taking notes, Eli is too close to Maki, Nozomi is pouring out espresso shots, Kotori is sitting on the counter, pouting.

Nico: You can’t just turn this into a musical. Nico is trying to prove a point. An important point…

Maki: Isn’t Nico a genius? I thought I heard that 5 minutes ago.

Nozomi: Ooohh, Nico-chi, that sounds like another bet? Can you lose two in one night?

Nico: (rushes counter, looks like she might hit something, throws back an espresso shot)

Eli (leans in, all flirty) I can sing.

Maki: You can go.

Nico: seconded.

Nozomi: Nah, I like the eye candy.

Nico (rolls eyes): Pervert

Nozomi: Is it Tuesday?

Nico: No.

Nozomi: Then yes, pervert.

Nico (shakes head)

Kotori: I’m bored.

Nico: You’re speaking out of turn.

Kotori (sighs): so over that, but… (snaps fingers)

Honoka, RIn, and Hanayo speak like they’re being fast forwarded.

Honoka: I can sing.

Rin: Dancing, we got to have dancing or this isn’t a party.

Hanayo: I don’t understand what’s happening.

Kotori beckons them with a gesture, waving a hand over the espresso shots remaining: Thirst.

They drink.

Nico looks concerned. Kotori examines the rest of the room, as Nozomi pours out three more shots. She points at Maki, Umi, and Eli.

Kotori: Thirst

Maki steps forward, Nico grabs her wrist,

Nico (speaks without looking at Maki): Stay. Nico needs you.

Eli, with a reluctant look at Maki, steps forward, takes a drink.

Umi: You have no power over me.

Kotori: Who lets love go to waste?

Umi: Only the cruel.

Kotori (jumps down, grabs Honoka, stares in her eyes) This is my penalty for speaking out of turn. Plus, (she looks at where Hanayo and Rin have joined hands) I need a new toy. (takes a shot)

Nico looks at the third shot like it’s a bomb, still holding onto Maki’s wrist.

Nico: Play something for me.

Maki (confused) Okay.

Eli has taken her shot and is looking confused, Nozomi watches for a moment, then grabs the third shot and Eli’s ponytail.

Nozomi: What the hell (downs shot)

Maki: what’s happening?

Nico: Chaos. Gods colliding. Love and disaster.

Maki: sounds like a musical to me.

Nico: Get over it.

Maki: (Plays and sings)

Love and disaster Faster and faster Crashing and crashing Why you bashing Love and disaster Bringing me you

Maki winks:

Don’t drink the potion RIn’s with the motion

(RIn hops up and dances)

(Umi steps over to the piano)

Cruel wind, cutting yourself Can’t you see the sun Still shines And you’ll cry for it As you speed by

Kotori, Honoka following, approaches Nico.

Kotori: You’re running out of time. Dawn dissolves dreams.

Nico: Poet for a poet.

Kotori: No. She hates me.

Honoka: Nobody should hate anybody.

Umi whispers: I don’t (as Honoka continues).

Honoka: I know what dawn does; it takes the stars away, like waking up your computer from a screensaver.

Kotori: Not poetry.

Honoka: (Takes Kotori’s hand) I only dream during the day because at night I keep reaching for the stars. Want to go see my favorites? (there has to be an earnest goodwill about Honoka that can’t be dented no matter what happens)

Umi: (writing): Stars too often called Diamond. They only tempt not Cut or Burn like you

Nico: (whirls) Write me a dream song.

Hanayo: Write me a rice song.

Umi: Rice?

Rin: You can’t eat a song. Wouldn’t you rather order a pizza or donuts?

Eli: They don’t deliver donuts.

Nozomi: There's a Fusion bistro that’s open a two minute walk away.

Rin: C’mon, let’s go. Can’t act on an empty stomach anyway.

Hanayo: (sadly) No rice song?

Umi: (shrugs)

Maki (plays): Rice is nice, even cooked twice, breakfast and base, for food it’s an ace

RIn: Ooohh, such a cool song, now let’s go get some.

Nico: (frowns at Maki) Enough. (pushes Rin and Hanayo) You get food (points at Honoka) you get lost in the twinkle (shoves Nozomi and Eli) you help me set up a game board, push tables, out of the way, mark out squares, just half a board.

Maki: What kind of board?

NIco: A Nico plays musical chess board. Now write me a Dream song. So we can rehearse.

Umi: Do you want a waking song?

Nico: That depends on the story you want me to tell. (Nico sits next to Umi, book out) Isn’t this a nightmare? Do you wake up or change the dream and stay?

Maki plays a quick chord progression.

Maki: Isn’t waking better?

Nico: Never sleeping is probably best; that way you’re never blinded by what might be.

Maki: Then how do you find what you want?

Nico: You see what is.

Umi: What if what is is a tornado?

Nozomi: (staring at an Eli, who is stacking chairs) What if what is never looks at you?

Eli: What if what is is something you’re never good enough for?

Nico: (as if lecturing, Maki behind her) You just do what you can to survive.

Maki: (softly) What if what is is you?

Act III, sc. i

Nico is perched/standing on a chair; there are squares marked on the floor. Maki’s keyboard has been moved next to Nico.

Nico: All right, we are in Nico-Time now, my rules. Everyone (glares at Nozomi, then Kotori) has to do what Nico says. Nico has until dawn to rewin…(pause) the Dark Queen’s heart for her consort (Nico bows to Umi). For that…(Nico leaps down) Nico needs another King (moves Honoka not far from the corner where Umi is), some pawns (grabs Rin and Hanayo, sets them up), and two rooks (puts Eli and Nozomi in place, facing each other). Our royalty are dark, foggy, lost souls shadowed by their past, but the rest of you are bright with hope, potential, spark.

Maki: Violence on the board.

Nico (whirls): What did you say?

Maki: (shrugs): White has an overwhelming advantage.

Nico: Yes.

Nozomi: So we’re going to win? (giggles) Then her Majesty (sweeps a curtsey at Kotori) gets angry, you lose your bet, and I get a pet.

Maki: (glares) Nico’s a winner.

Nico: (wink) Now you get it.

Eil: What do I get?

Nico: What do you want?

Eli: (hands through hair, disheveling, much more undone than anyone has ever seen her) I want to…

Maki (hands hastily written music to Nico, begins to play)

Nico (points at Eli)

Eli: I want to not be the best, to be in with the rest To see what I want (faces Nozomi) and grab for it To be free (pushes off Nozomi) To leap (pauses two spaces away, then leaps left, shirt open, tank top underneath) To keep going

Honoka: Cool...just do it.

Rin: People always notice me.

Hanayo: (they are separated on the board) I’ve noticed you noticing me. No one does that.

Kotori: Bitch. (moves away) I did.

Umi: But only briefly. Only a sudden heat, growing nothing to grow cold. Steam that dissipates, no bond created.

Kotori: What’s a bond if it’s only a bridge that leaves a shadow but never connects? What’s a bond if you’re always looking away.

Umi: (turned away) All I can see is you.

Maki: (stops the music) They don’t even look at each other, let alone talk TO each other. What are you going to do?

Nico (jumps up again, waving arms like a conductor) Make them sing! (all eyes on her, a different kind of music plays as Nico tosses songs into the air)

Eli: What choice do I have?

Nozomi: (the quietest, most doubtful) Me?

Rin: I choose you.

Hanayo: (turns away) No one does.

Rin finds she can’t move.

Honoka: Magic...If it’s in the air, it’s in my hands. (Nico nods and makes a gesture toward Kotori, Honoka copies it) If it’s in my hands, I can command. Truth. (points to Umi) For her (points to self) For me.

Kotori (sole focus on Umi): I want all of you, every you, any you, anything you’ve touched, anyone you’ve touched…

Maki shudders.

Kotori looks like she’s holding a globe, spins it: All the world in you. All in my hands.

Umi: All my softness stripped, all the beauty gone in a cold wind that only cares what it takes with it.

Sakura soft touch Fluttering my pulse, my heart Whipped by a bare branch

No sakura spring For me, please, the wind is too You, sharp and cruel

Your wind can’t carry The weight of all the tears caught In my petal heart

No sakura spring For me, please, the wind is too You, wandering weak

No sakura spring For me, please, the wind leaves me Torn, scattered, dulled

Kotori whirls as Honoka reaches out to an Umi who is starting to sob. A snap prevents an embrace.

Nico: A fondness of feeling, you can hear it in every note. And it upsets you. Awakes you. Makes you remember the moment…

Kotori: The moment

Umi: Your breath brushed me Your lips crushed me You rushed by me

Honoka: You pushed me Rushed me She blushed

Kotori: a flower flushed Kissing blue sky Blushes soft touch

Kotori: hand reaches out

Umi: Wind, storm, rain So fragile, here alone, Can your hands be A gentle touch A stroke of hope, A finger kiss

Kotori: But I want all of you, any you, every you (looks at Honoka) anyone, everyone you touch

Umi: But gentle

Honoka: You rush

Umi: To crush

Kotori: Just a brush (hand to mouth) soft as…

Umi and Honoka: Sakura

Eli: NO!

Nozomi: ...Zomi...Nozomi...and Eli. Let’s make our own music. (Nozomi looks poised to move)

Eli: NO! It’s just a spell, just a spell, a potion, a binding, winding us all in a snare

Nozomi: It could be more.

Rin: I’m real.

Kotori: I’m Queen.

Hanayo: I’m scared.

Umi: I’m mad.

Honoka: Magic, right? Let magic happen.

Eli: No. (Facing Nico): Break the spell.

Nico: Why?

Eli: This isn’t real.

Nozomi: It could be

RIn: As real as me

Honoka: As magic

Kotori: Break the spell.

Maki (plays) Dealer’s choice, Madness or Magic Real or rehearsed What’s your card?

Umi: Why do we always choose? Why can’t we include?

Maki: Make a choice.

Nico: But the bet.

Maki: Take a chance Be bold Be brave enough to

Eli: BREAK

Umi: THE

Kotori: SPELL

Nico winks at Maki: Then you forfeit.

Kotori Umi Eli: BREAK THE SPELL

Act III, sc. ii

Nico is standing staring at people. Maki is stopping her from moving toward either people or the door.

Nico: Make them stop. It was supposed to end better than this.

Maki: You won your bet. The rest is theirs.

Nico: So Nico moves on. Next project.

Maki: No, Nico stays.

Nico: But there’s nothing for Nico to stay for.

Maki: What about someone?

Nozomi: Ooohh, Nico-chi, how do you respond to that? A trap? A treasure?

Eli: And this is why there’s no real. You think love is a pirate game. A gamble.

Nozomi: Otherwise it’s not fun. See something pretty and gold (touches Eli’s hair), chase after it.

Eli: (pauses, then pulls back) I’m not a prize.

Nozomi (sighs): Have a coffee.

Eli: Only if we talk.

Honoka: Make me one!

Rin: Two for us.

Hanayo: Thank you, Rin-chan. It’s nice to be seen.

Nozomi: Anyone you want to treat, Kotori.

Kotori: (sotto voce) Bitch.

Umi: Petal beauty floats Let it touch you, spark of warmth Let it drift by, leave

This sakura spring For you: choose touch or tarnish Me, now that we’re here

Honoka joins in: Petal beauty floats Let it touch me, spark of warmth Don’t drift by and leave

(To Umi) This sakura spring You embrace this touch, choosing Us, now that we’re here

(With Umi) This sakura spring You embrace this touch, choosing Us, now that we’re here

Maki: (to Nico): You can trust this. It will work out.

Nico: Trust.

Maki: Trust us. Isn’t that always the lesson?

Trust Spring, Trust sakura, Trust Softness, trust sparks, trust truth Will blossom for us

Sakura softness Keeping my heart light, a kiss Melting sorrow’s snow

All sakura spring For me, please, the wind always You, caressing me

Nico (reaches a hand to Maki’s cheek): Like this.

Maki: (a nod)

Nico: Treasure.

Maki (shakes head): No. Sailing with no map. A challenge.

Nico (Laughs): Nico loves a challenge.

Maki: I know. (hands Nico the book) There’s one last poem.

Nico: No, there’s not.

Umi: It wrote itself.

Nozomi: Last of the magic.

Eli: We don’t need magic.

Rin: We need dancing (spins Hanayo)

Hanayo: We danced all night and it was never enough.

Honoka: (comes up behind Umi) Make the spell.

Kotori: (reaches hands out to Umi and Honoka): Take the chance.

Maki: (with a wink) Win your bet. (Sings)

Sakura softness Keeping my heart light, a kiss Melting sorrow’s snow

All sakura spring For me, please, the wind always You, caressing me

Nico: (sings as the couples/thruple close in)

Sakura softness Keeping my heart light, a kiss

(No surprise, but it should be a breathless build, a moment, everyone kisses, from a gentle kiss on a cheek to ?. Read the mood.)

And we get a group chorus:

Melting sorrow’s snow

All sakura spring For me, please, the wind always You, caressing me

A/N: I was going through my files, looking for something I could finish for Maki's birthday. And I found this, which I've already finished (phase one of a "Michelle writes a play" experiment). And I haven't posted it for no really good reason. So here you go, in honor of Maki's birthday. Enjoy. Thank you Maki for helping me find my voice. May you continue to inspire.

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crimsonredemption · 5 years

Note

Omg, hi i just thought about your Modern!Reader and wanted to ask what the gangs favorite Modern food would be and why. Ok, love you, bye

HI I love u too

Modern!Au Gangs favorite food

So some of the food I mention here isn’t “Modern” per se, they have been around for a looong time in their origin country. But I guess they haven’t been around the US for too long? I dunno

I believe Arthur would really enjoy Sushi. I mean, I headcanon him as someone who really likes Seafood so I believe Sushi would be really up his alley. He enjoys the simple ones though, like Nigiri and Maki, not so much fancy California and Dragon Rolls.

Dutch would love to have Fondues with his intimate circle. Whether it be the normal or the cheese version like they do in Switzerland. Sitting around with others while eating, taking your sweet time while eating is really comforting to him.

Hosea lives for Coffee in all versions. Espresso, Latte Macchiato, Iced Coffee, Cappuccino, Cafe con Panna and even the sweet versions with caramel or cocoa. Catch him being a regular at Starbuck until he finds those tiny, cute Cafes where the coffee is just indefinitely better?

Did anyone say Pizza? John would definitely never say no to the suggestion of staying at home, ordering a giant Pizza. He’s always ordering from the same place where the people of course already know his voice, order, and address by heart.

Sean lives the sandwich Artist life. No, not because he works at a Subway store although I can actually really see him in this green outfit working behind a counter making subs and telling people their choice of meat and veggies is shiteeee. But when he’s at home he really takes his time and puts a lot of effort and thought into making the perfect sandwich.

Charles would love Indian curries. He appreciates the taste of the different spices and also is really into spicy food. He’d have at least 3 cookbooks on Indian food at home.

I think Tilly has a real sweet tooth. Also, she’s guilty of loving Boba Tea a little too much.

Javier loves the summertime and the heat, and the one thing he craves most on sunny days is Ice Cream. He honestly loves every flavor, aside from Vanilla which is just too bland and basic for him.

Lenny and Karen both live for junk food, I’m not kidding. While Lenny is a regular customer at Taco Bells, Burger King and Co., Karen is guilty on living off instant Ramen noodles for days at a time the fancy ones, mind you

#red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 #modern!au #feel free to add!!#those were all that I could think of right now haha #Arthur Morgan #Dutch Van Der Linde #Charles Smith #Javier Escuella #Sean Macguire #Lenny Summers #mary-beth gaskill #Karen Jones #hosea matthews

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mythgirlimagines · 6 years

Note

Can I have some imagines for an AU where Danganronpa is a show and all the kids are actors? Preferably the bloopers, but do whatever you want.

I can’t tell you how much I love this AU. I hope these are good, probably not as funny as some others on the site, but I did my best!

DR1:

There are many videos of Chihiro sneaking up on and scaring everyone- except for Hina. For whatever reason, that girl can’t be scared.

They all love working together, though there is an odd distinct rivalry between Leon and Kyoko for who knows what. When asked, they both reply with “they know what they did.”

They film episode-by-episode and all things victim are kept under wraps until the moment comes. All their reactions are completely genuine.

They all enjoy doing super dramatic videos with each other, including doing live-action “abridged” videos.

“Tell ‘em, Naegi” is a meme on set. Anytime something needs to be said, that is said first.

Mukuro is one of the goofiest people you could meet, and is the culprit behind most off-set pranks along with Junko, her “despair sister.”

SDR2:

Kazuichi and Peko are best friends on set and have a bunch of really strange inside jokes that nobody else gets.

Mikan couldn’t stop laughing during those morning scenes with Hajime, and could barely look him in the eye without at least giggling while filming.

The “glue” Chiaki ate in chapter three was actually melted gummy bears. Nobody knew that except for her, hence their grossed-out reactions.

Nagito couldn’t do anything but laugh when he was chained up by Kazuichi and Nekomaru, and keeps grabbing people’s ankles with his free hand when he “died.”

Sonia’s lines take her forever to get right with a straight face, and often make the others crack up as well.

Nagito and Kyoko are actually great friends and staged fake fights over Makoto when she, Makoto, and Byakuya were on set for chapter six. Nobody else was in on it, though, and were frantic in trying to get them to stop.

DR:AE:

Komaru got a lot of little scrapes and things during filming, especially during her executions. She calls them her war scars now.

She’s known for sneaking up on Toko during breaks and scaring her by shouting through her megaphone. Every single instance has been caught on camera.

Nagisa is notorious for falling asleep on set. That’s why it’s so easy for him to seem like he’s so done with everything and everyone on camera.

Kotoko and Jataro are little demons on set. They’ll replace props at the last second and add kick me signs and things to people’s costumes just for the lolz.

Toko is really great friends with Masaru, a sort of unexpected friendship. They bonded over their shared hatred of morning filming and provide each other coffee (decaf for him, double espresso for her).

Hiroko and Yuta are actually pretty close and talk backstage together while watching filming. They offer a lot of dry humor on the commentary reel and for random videos the rest of the cast take.

DR3:

Izayoi has gone through at least seven sweets per shot of him eating one. Ruruka likes to torture him sometimes by putting a whole basket of them in his room and watching him freak out at the sight of them.

Seiko and Miaya are close friends as well. They often talk and get caught up so much that they’ll sometimes miss their cues, which has led to quite a funny rushed entrances.

So much of the cast screamed out when Kyoko was revealed to be “dead.” It took all she could to not start laughing and ruin the emotional scene.

Monaca had so much fun saying that one line to Toko and Komaru that she constantly uses it as her reaction to questions. It’s also the first thing in her Twitter bio. And her voicemail message.

Mukuro and Monaca are actually closer that Junko and Monaca are, and will sometimes trade accessories off set. It’s fun for them to bond, and gives Monaca a good role model.

Komaru shrieked when Kyoko was revealed alive at the end of the Hope Arc. She was just super excited that her character’s brother was getting his true love after all.

NDRV3:

Maki is one of the sweetest girls you could meet on set, along with Miu. They’re actually great friends and do a lot of fake arguing in the background of the show only to laugh with each other about it after.

Kirumi has gone off-script before to tell off Kokichi or anyone else who is even thinking of pulling any pranks while filming, only to become part of the blooper reel herself.

Kiyo has been sent so many printed-out pictures of seesaws by other cast members that he made a professional-looking collage of all of them just to spite whoever sent them.

Contrary to popular belief, Gonta is very big on the blooper reels. He’s messed up lines so many times because he’s slipped into regular speech instead of his stilted speech.

Kaede has sometimes slipped on set beyond where the camera can see to “haunt” Shuichi while he’s filming, ending in one of them giggling and giving them both away.

They’ve all made so many jokes about each other and their favorite “characters” showing up during chapter six. Many selfies and funny improv videos were taken during that moment.

#answered ask #anon #imagine #headcanons #actor au #so many kiddos #literally can't tag them all #i love the actor au #bloopers and stuff #danganronpa #dr1 #sdr2 #dr3 #dr:ae #ndrv3

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whatshehassaid · 6 years

Text

Favorite Things

I’m bored out of my mind at.... hell, I don’t even know what time it is.

Food and Drink

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant?

Umm, it really depends. I like Chinese/Asian type foods and pizza and a lot of things, so... I can’t really choose one? I really love Thai Express though.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?

It’s a toss up between pistachio and mint chocolate chip. Chocolate chip cookie dough is really good too

Favorite Chocolate Candy?

Ferrero Rocher or anything with a chocolate/hazelnut mix

Favorite Fruity Candy?

Sour Skittles or wine gums

Favorite Flavor Starburst?

Either the pink or the red

Favorite dish at Olive Garden?

I’ve actually never been to Olive Garden.

Favorite kind of sushi?

Uramaki (California rolls)... I also like maki.. (oh boy, now I’m craving sushi)

Favorite Asian dish?

I’ve really only had Westernized type Asian food, so.. I love spring rolls, sushi (see above), chow mein...

Favorite Italian Dish?

There’s a lot to choose from there as half my extended family is from Calabria... so... chicken parmigiana or angel hair primavera

Favorite food of all time?

There’s a lot to choose from there... I really love steak though. Like, a little too much.

Favorite way to cook a steak?

Medium, sometimes medium well

Favorite pasta dish?

Angel hair primavera

Favorite cookie?

White chocolate macadamia nut

Favorite fast food french fries?

Mcdonalds

Favorite cereal?

Raisin Bran. Don’t @ me

Favorite breakfast food?

Mmmm, omlettes.

Favorite pizza toppings?

Pepperoni, green pepper, sometimes pineapple.... sometimes olives.

Favorite fruit?

It’s a tie between strawberries, cherries and pomegranates.

Favorite vegetable?

Broccoli

Favorite dessert?

White chocolate cheesecake.

Favorite comfort food?

Homemade chicken soup

Favorite way to eat bacon?

On its own, honestly.

Favorite thing at a buffet?

I don’t really go to buffets.....

Favorite pumpkin flavored treat?

Pumpkin spiced lattes........................ don’t start with me

Favorite dish at Thanksgiving?

Stuffing.

Favorite cake?

Strawberry shortcake... or angel cake w/ strawberries.

Favorite ice cream sundae toppings?

Hot fudge, maraschino cherries and whipped cream

Favorite thing to cook?

I love making pizza..

Favorite soda?

Cherry coke.

Favorite alcoholic drink?

Vodka coke.

Favorite drink at Starbucks?

Skinny cinnamon dolce latte

Favorite flavor coffee?

I just.... coffee? and espresso... I love espresso.

Television & Movies

Favorite 80′s movie?

Um, toss up between ET, the Indiana Jones movies (Last Crusade has always been my fave), and The Shining.

Favorite Harry Potter movie?

Toss up between Prisoner of Azkaban and Half Blood Prince in the HP series... Crimes of Grindelwald (so far) in the Fantastic Beasts series.

Favorite Hobbit from Lord of the Rings?

Bilbo.

Favorite Simpson’s character?

Lisa.

Favorite cartoon cat?

Felix the cat.

Favorite TV sitcom?

I Love Lucy. Does that count as a sitcom?

Favorite cartoon?

Peanuts (does that count?) or Looney Tunes

Favorite scary movie?

I’ve watched a LOT of horror movies, but Halloween (1978) hands down.

Favorite funny movie?

Hmmm... I don’t watch many comedic movies, honestly.. Bridesmaids? I don’t know..

Favorite celebrity?

Y’all really gonna ask this? We all know it’s Jude Law.

Favorite South Park character?

I never really got into South Park, tbh.

Favorite chick flick?

Um, The Holiday and maybe Confessions of a Shopaholic....

Favorite Pixar movie?

I’d have to choose three ‘cause I can’t choose one... Ratatouille, Coco, and Toy Story

Favorite Family Guy character?

Don’t really watch it. I watched the first season. Stewie, I guess?

Favorite Leonardo Dicaprio movie?

Aw, you gotta do this to me? Top 3: Titanic, The Great Gatsby and Shutter Island.

Favorite Actress over 50?

Do people who are dead count? ‘Cause I’d choose Marilyn Monroe in a heartbeat.

Favorite Marvel movie?

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Favorite TV Show?

A tie between Hannibal and Twin Peaks.

Favorite cancelled TV series?

Hannibal. Definitely Hannibal.

Favorite show on the Discovery Channel?

I don’t really watch it all that much.... can I use a show from the History Channel instead? (Hunting Hitler)

Favorite classic movie?

Niagara (1953) or Dracula (1931)

Music

Favorite Beatles song?

Golden Slumbers

Favorite string instrument?

Acoustic guitar

Favorite instrument?

Piano

Favorite band or music artist?

I have too many so, Neutral Milk Hotel, Nirvana and Lana Del Rey.

Favorite music genre?

Indie, alternative, whatever.

Favorite style of dance?

I love the way swing dancing looks.

Favorite boy band?

Oof, ya outtin’ me. NSYNC.

Favorite disco song?

Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson or Night Fever - Bee Gees

Favorite 80′s song?

I love a LOT of 80′s music so... I can give you a few (I can’t choose one, that’s impossible): Call Me - Blondie, Take on Me - Aha, Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler, You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) - Dead or Alive, A Criminal Mind - Gowan, Maneater - Hall & Oates, Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson (THERE ARE A LOT MORE)

Favorite cover song?

Byaginc’s version of Losing My Religion - REM and I also really like Lo-Fang’s version of You’re the One That I Want.

Favorite one hit wonder?

Sex and Candy - Marcy Playground

Favorite song you’re embarrassed to like?

Ummmmm.. if I have to pick one.. Irresistible by Jessica Simpson (also the version with Lil Bow Wow is a banger?)

Favorite foreign band/artist?

Catatonia (does that count, I mean, I’m not Welsh.. so). I also like Pink Floyd.

Travel & Recreation

Favorite state you’ve visited?

I’ve only visited one state in the US and it was Florida.

Favorite country you want to visit?

Italy or England

Favorite thing about America?

If you’re referencing the US, I live in Canada, so... I don’t know?

Favorite kind of vacation?

I love beaches... but I also love art and architecture so *shrug*

Favorite car?

1950′s VW Beetle.

Favorite road to drive on?

I don’t drive.

Favorite way to travel?

Car, I hate planes.

Favorite beach?

I haven’t been to many honestly.

Favorite place to go with family?

DISNEY WORLD.

Favorite vacation you’ve taken?

The first one I ever went on to Universal Studios in Orlando.

Favorite fictional place you’d want to visit?

Hogwarts, let’s be real.

Favorite ride at a carnival?

Those swing carousel things.

Favorite thing to do at the beach?

.....read

Favorite rollercoaster?

I do nOT do rollercoasters.

Favorite theme park?

Disney DISNEY D I S N E Y

Favorite thing about traveling?

I love nice hotels, I don’t know why that’s my fave part, but it is.

Nature & Animals

Favorite dinosaur?

Um, I’ve never really thought about that? T-Rex, I guess?

Favorite breed of dog?

Poodle.

Favorite season?

Autumn

Favorite flower?

Hiscibus

Favorite animal at the zoo?

Elephants... if they have them or pandas

Favorite type of bear?

Panda bears

Favorite natural disaster?

....what kind of question is that?

Favorite reptile?

I love snakes.

Favorite animal?

Tie between cats and sloths.

Favorite bird?

Owls.

Favorite thing in the sky?

The moon.

Favorite thing about a rainy day?

Hearing rain on the roof.

Favorite sea creature?

Can I say the Loch Ness Monster? (haha) Jellyfish.

Favorite color rose?

Light pink or dark red.

Favorite small mammal?

KITTENS!

Favorite big cat?

I love snow leopards.

Favorite thing about spring?

Flowers.

Favorite wild animal you’d like as a pet?

A sloth.

Sports

Favorite sport?

Soccer

Favorite extreme sport you're too scared to do?

Does snowboarding count?

Favorite Olympic sport?

Figure skating.

Favorite football team?

Don’t watch American football.

Favorite basketball team?

Don’t really watch that either.

Favorite hockey team?

I know I’m Canadian, but I’m honestly not that invested. I’d choose the Maple Leafs ‘cause I’m from TO, but they’re.... aw f ul.

Favorite baseball team?

Blue Jays

Favorite sport to play?

Soccer.

Favorite winter sport?

I do not do winter sports. I’m a klutz as it is.

Favorite sport you wish you were a pro at?

Figure skating would be AMAZING.

Favorite professional athlete?

Serena Williams, Evgenia Medvedeva

Favorite sport to watch in person?

Hockey.

Childhood

Favorite nursery rhyme?

Didn’t really have a favorite.

Favorite childhood memory?

My grandfather.

Favorite board game?

Monopoly or Scrabble

Favorite children’s show?

I looooooved Looney Tunes. I still do, honestly.

Favorite toy as a child?

I had a Barney the Dinosaur plush (I had Barney everything)

Favorite teacher?

My sixth grade teacher was a pretty cool dude.

Favorite thing about school?

Art class.

Favorite age?

Don’t really have one, maybe 4 or 5?

Favorite Christmas present?

My mom bought me a N64.

Favorite Dr. Seuss book?

Green Eggs & Ham

Favorite Halloween costume you've worn?

Technically I wore it as a teen, but the Silk Spectre II costume I wore when I was 17.

Favorite lunchbox snack?

Dunkaroos!

Favorite Winnie the Pooh character?

Pooh & Eeyore.

Favorite thing to do during recess?

Read.

Favorite superhero?

Wonder Woman.

Favorite video game?

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Favorite color Power Ranger?

Pink.

Favorite fairy tale?

Does Beauty and the Beast count?

Favorite game to play outside?

Catch the flag.

Fashion & Beauty

Favorite department store?

Does Sephora count as a department store?

Favorite place to shop?

There’s a lot of places I love to shop. Mostly bookstores though.

Favorite store in the mall?

Indigo/Chapters (I love my books)

Favorite perfume/cologne?

YSL Black Opium or Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle

Favorite hair color?

On me? A mix of auburn and dark brown

Favorite makeup you can't live without?

Eyebrow pencil

Favorite shoes?

My thigh high dark brown suede go-go boots. ;)

Favorite occasion to dress up for?

I’ll honestly dress up for anything. I love dressing up.

Favorite hairstyle?

Anything wavy/curly with or without braids.

Favorite outfit you have?

Right now I have a super cute wrap dress that I like.

Favorite soap scent?

I like the smell of Dove soap, is that weird?

Favorite article of clothing?

I love high waist mini skirts.

Favorite place for a piercing?

Upper ear.

Favorite piece of jewelry?

Right now I’m a dork for the replica pendant from Crimes of Grindelwald. I also love this bracelet/ring/hand jewelry thing I have.

Favorite thing to wear to bed?

Sometimes lace and silk stuff ;) Sometimes just huge t-shirts

Favorite luxury brand?

YSL

Random

Favorite candle scent?

I love coconut scents.

Favorite extracurricular activity?

.....reading? (again)

Favorite day of the week?

Sunday

Favorite holiday?

Does Halloween count as a holiday?

Favorite website?

Well, I’m on Tumblr QUITE a bit...

Favorite way to communicate?

Usually face to face.. I hate talking on the phone. Text message is a close second.

Favorite Youtube video?

I love this dork. [x]

Favorite kind of house?

Victorian

Favorite car color?

Teal?

Favorite baby boy name?

I don’t know...

Favorite baby girl name?

Charlie, Evelyn

Favorite thing to do when you’re sick?

It’s an odd habit of mine to watch The Mummy or HP or Spice World for some reason

Favorite person you’ve never met?

Famous? Bryan Fuller Person in my life? MY THREE BEST FRIENDS!

Favorite question you’ve answered so far?

I don’t know...........

Favorite thing you’ve done in the last 24 hours?

I literally slept most of the day. Don’t judge me.

Favorite place to meet up with friends?

Kitty Cafes and.... cafes in general.

Favorite hobby?

Reading, making art.... listening to music

Favorite way to cheer you up?

Anything to do with Jude Law usually does the trick, bahaha

Favorite thing to look forward to?

Leaving this god awful small city to go explore other places.

Favorite kind of gift to receive?

Things that are heartfelt... things that people make whether it be handmade or... whatever... it’s really sweet.

Favorite crafty thing to make?

Does sketching count? Funny story, I used to get in trouble in art class in high school for sketching human anatomy (hands, collarbones etc) instead of reviewing art history notes, which I also loved by the way.

Favorite way to relax?

Reading, bubble baths.... other ways ;)

#about me #long post #I WAS BORED #and now I'm off to dreamland

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newsintheshell · 6 years

Text

In produzione un film live-action di “Hell Girl”

Il lungometraggio è previsto per autunno 2019.

È stato da poco annunciato che sono iniziati i lavori di produzione di un adattamento cinematografico live-action del franchise “Hell Girl” (Jigoku Shoujo). Il lancio del film, che sarà diretto da Kōji Shiraishi, è previsto per autunno 2019.

Cast:

Ai Enma: Tina Tamashiro

Hone Onna: Manami Hashimoto

Wanyūdō: Akaji Maro

Miho Ichikawa: Nana Mori

Haruka Nanjō: Sawa Nimura

Sanae Mikuriya: Mina Ohba

Kudō: Kazuki Namioka

Maki: Tomu Fujita

Le vicende nel mondo di Hell Girl si concentrano di solito su persone tormentate o vittime di bullismo che riescono ad accedere al sito “Hell Correspondence”, che permette loro di richiedere la morte della persona che le sta tormentando. È in quei momenti che fa la sua comparsa Ai Enma, la Hell Girl del titolo, che si occuperà di trascinare e punire le persone dannate all’inferno. L’unica condizione è che anche la persona che ha espresso la richiesta finirà negli inferi.

Studio Deen ha lanciato la prima serie animata nel 2005, seguita da tre sequel rispettivamente nel 2006, 2008 e 2014. Nel 2017 è andata in onda “Jigoku Shoujo: Yoi no Togi”, una serie composta da 12 episodi, metà dei quali completamente inediti, mentre i restanti riadatteranno di storie popolari già raccontate nel manga e nelle precedenti stagioni. Il primo adattamento live-action risale invece alla serie del 2006.

L'anime ha anche ispirato l’omonimo manga di Miyuki Eto, edito in Italia da Star Comics, al quale sono seguiti Shin Jigoku Shoujo (2009) e Jigoku Shōjo Enma Ai Selection Geki Kowa Story (2014). A novembre del 2016 è anche andato in scena un adattamento teatrale.

Elric

Fonte: ANN

#hell girl #jigoku shoujo #anime #manga #film #live action #serie tv

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carib0us · 7 years

Text

Coffeeshop Date 01: Coffeeshop Date

... also, I think I was a little in love with you from the first day we met. Not that I'd have admitted anything. So I'm willing to take the bitter with the sweet."

Story 1 of The Neglected Shrine

Summary:

Nishikino Maki meets her idol girlfriend at a coffee shop. they reminisce about the past.

At the coffee shop she liked because the parfaits and ice cream didn't have a big ice cube under them diluting them with water as you ate, if you had to wait, Nishikino Maki waited.

She sipped her cappuccino - the espresso was already gone, it was just foam now. She looked up, and her much younger-looking girlfriend appeared in the opened doorway, almost a half hour late.

"Sorry, something came up with the little ones. Mama had to work, so I made them dinner so they could focus on their homework and studying - they have tests coming up."

She looked a little tired, her red eyes showed a little exhaustion. It was incongruous in someone who still looked like a first-year, especially with her pigtails and red ribbons.

Maki might have questioned her, earlier. Might have complained.

But she knew, now, that getting into a good school was the only way out of the poverty the Yazawa family lived in, for the younger children. It gave a grim edge to her girlfriend's burning ambition to shine as an idol, too. In addition to wanting to make their family, even the ones who weren't around any more, proud. It was also a simple matter of survival.

The kiss she gave Maki was quick and discreet as she sat down and grabbed a menu. She actually knew it by heart but it was a nice tool to distract attention - and it was all done too quickly to see if she was kissing Maki on the lips or the cheek.

The conversation meandered, waxing a bit nostalgic as was their tendency lately.

"Oh, remember the first time I visited your home?"

"Yeah the little ones were all over you. And they bugged me for a week afterward - when is Maki-chan coming again?"

"Even though I was furious about you calling us backup dancers?"

"Yeah, I guess they knew how much Nico-ni likes Maki. Or Yazawas are just weak to Nishikino charm."

Then later:

"I still do it sometimes, you know. The whole Nico-nico-ni! thing."

"Well, don't do it for me."

"When we do the reunion, of course I'm gonna do it. You might like it better than you think."

"Why do you still like it so much?"

"Well, for one thing, our father taught it to Nico-ni before he died. It's one of our few strong memories of him. The littlest ones don't remember but they've been told about it often enough they feel they do."

Maki felt a little guilty, as she always did, but it was a helpless feeling. Nico had had one blow after another. The parent she was closest to dying, leaving them penniless. Having to become a parent to her younger siblings when she was still a child herself. Not being able to get into a school that had classes or clubs for singing or performing. Her initial trial at starting a group at their school, the years of isolation and rejection and heartbreak. Missing the first Love Live, almost losing everything before the second.

"But we won, we won. Despite everything the universe could do, Nico won," she thought.

"You're smiling."

"Yeah, remembering the Live we won."

"One of the highlights of my life, just being there, let alone having Muse win - and it's one reason I'll always love the Muse girls."

But then, Muse broke up, of course, and Nico had to choose - and she chose a performing college that, even with her scholarship, still required her to work full time. It was only with Maki's encouragement and even bullying that Nico had had a selection of colleges to pick from, naturally. The pressure, the exhaustion must have been tremendous, but Nico never talked about it.

"Now you're sad. Listen. We deserve happy times. I've earned them. You've earned them. I'm happy being with you. I don't over-think it, and you need to stop, too."

"I'm grateful to have you. So grateful. I think some days you're all that gets me out of bed ..."

"It's supposed to go the other way, Maki-chan!" she said with an impish grin.

"Hey, I'm serious. But I still don't understand why you are okay with me."

"Oh, just because you're still obsessing about your past relationship with another girl that I'm just a rebound, fill-in, substitute for?" She traced her hand over the menu as if she were reading lines in a thesaurus.

"No, you know you're more than that to me. But yeah, some of that."

"I'm just fine with you, Maki. Don't sell us short, I think we understand each other better than anyone else in the world understands us, including our families ...

... also, I think I was a little in love with you from the first day we met. Not that I'd have admitted anything. So I'm willing to take the bitter with the sweet."

A waitress came by and they ordered a parfait to split. Maki got another cappuccino and her girlfriend got an Americano. Nobody in Japan with any taste ordered brewed coffee, despite what animes like Gochuumon might imply, she thought.

The waitress was a little hesitant.

"Yazawa-san," she said, taking a breath and gathering her courage. "Just a second."

She went over to the cashier area and pulled out what was obviously the jacket for a 7-inch vinyl pressing.

"Onegai?" she said, endearingly.

"My goodness, Maki, we've found another Kotori!"

"Good thing Umi isn't around," Maki smirked, as her girlfriend signed with the distinct signature she'd practiced and practiced at home (Maki would have rolled her eyes, but she'd gotten over being superior about this stuff early in her time with Nico).

"And you don't need to call me Yazawa-san like that, don't be so formal, you can use my name," Maki heard, followed by a giggle.

"Oh, thank you, then .."

But at that moment the blushing waitress, who'd been neglecting other customers, was called back impatiently to her duties.

"Super-idols get all the girls!" she said happily, looking over at Maki impishly. "Better watch out, Maki-chan!"

"It's because you were so good about there having been 'another woman,' I think ... that's why I love you so much," Maki said, looking very serious."

It still hurts. Physically, I mean.

It's psychosomatic. Maki wakes up and it feels like someone punched her in the stomach. Hard.

"I think for me it's because I love you so much, that's why I am so good about there having been another woman. So we match!"

They smiled at each other.

Then later:

"I'm taller."

"You aren't."

"I am! A centimeter, but it counts!"

"Speaking as a future physician, I can say you've grown 1% if so."

Maki was swatted with a menu.

"I am comfortable, now," she said. "Talking about it. It's not obsessing, any more, and it's not denial that our dreams - that everything ended."

"Hey, Maki-chan, we're in the same boat. I loved her too, never forget. I'll never forget the bond we had during those years when the Idol Research Club was just one sad, lonely person - before you even knew any of us - even Rin and Hanayo. She was a big part of my world. We did a lot together - we went on shopping dates, cried on each other's shoulders, and told each other our secrets. In a lot of ways, she was my whole world. And I only met you through her."

"She never outgrew that girlish cuteness, did she? That restless energy, that innocence, somehow."

"Nope, Maki. That's how I think of her now. As still just a girl, with a girl's fears, and hopes, and wishes. And secrets."

Maki's hand twitched a little hearing that word.

"You look more like her now, you know."

"I don't mind. It's a good look for us Yazawas. It feels like I'm building on her efforts, you know, instead of just tossing them away. And I don't mind looking the way she would have when I get older, either."

"But you're you, and nobody but you, and that's who I love, Cocoro. You and you alone."

"You and me together."

Irrepressible.

Next Chapter »

AO3

Fanfiction.net

#Writing #nico yazawa #maki nishikino #nicomaki #death #romance #love live #neglected shrine

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ryqoshay · 5 years

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Mmh, if you want something with caffeine you could use black coffee. Particulary strong and with no sugar or anything else. Because cappuccino (having milk) remains sweet, and people like it because it's not bitter. While for measure of coffee it's simpler than what you think. There's either espresso (the small one), which can be small (ristretto), normal or large (lungo), and the american size (starbucks). Which us italian referred to as murky water. It's basically more water than coffee.

The amount of caffeine really depends on the brew; darker roasts tend to have more than those lighter. Other factors include, but are not limited to, brewing method, steep time and water temp. This is why when Googling caffeine content, ranges are often given. The same goes for espresso. And though espresso does beat out regular coffee in milligrams per ounce, it is obviously diluted out in various drinks like cappuccinos.

At least that’s what my research and own experience have taught me.

That said, here in the States, the jargon you listed is generally only used at Starbucks. Pretty much every other shop I’ve been in that isn’t Starbucks is more casual in their allowed coffee lexicon. And personally, that’s part of why I typically avoid Starbucks. The other primary reason is I was raised to prefer smaller businesses when possible. I now live in Clear Lake, Iowa, home of the first Cabin Coffee, a small franchise to which I have become incredibly loyal.

That said, having never been to Japan personally, I know little about the coffee culture over there. As such, I just used some artistic liberties to treat it as if it were the culture with which I am familiar here.

As for Maki’s order, I figure a quad shot of espresso, even diluted with steamed soy milk, would still give her a nice kick to get through a few hours of cram school. But even sweetened with said soy, that amount of espresso would be considered too bitter for a sweet lover like Nico, whom I headcanon as preferring drinks laced with more grams of sugar than milligrams of caffeine. I also see Nico preferring tea, particularly cheap barley tea, over coffee, but that’s a different story.

Also, though I’ve never personally had soy milk in my coffee, my Google-fu revealed that it apparently produces a smoother finished product than normal milk. And some sites claimed baristas prefer working with it. So I figured that was good enough and went with it.

#How to Handle a Nico #Ryqo's Q&A

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ao3feed-itafushi · 4 months

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Espresso Shots

#IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #itafushi #itadori yuuji #fushiguro megumi #jujutsu kaisen #jjk #fushiita

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lonelypond · 2 years

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I Could Be A Better Boyfriend

NicoMaki, Love Live, 2.5K, 1/1

Summary: The Nishikinos, one of Japan's most important families, have expectations for their only daughter. Maki's not thrilled.

I Could Be A Better Boyfriend

“Mama? Did Security change the garage code again?” Nishikino Maki, casually dressed in jeans, t-shirt, and a leather jacket, driving gloves held in one hand, echoed in the open foyer.

“No. I did. At your father’s request. If you need to go anywhere, ask the staff to drive you.”

Maki’s eyes narrowed, anger and suspicion flaring, “What’s going on?”

“It’s time for you to start taking some steps toward marriage.”

“No.”

“Cutting off your access to the cars is just the first step.”

“I will not be a negotiating chip for Nishikino Health.”

Maki’s mom sighed, “Are you dating anyone?”

Maki wrapped her arms around her torso. “I’m not talking about this here.”

“Fine. Let’s go into my office.” Dr. Nishikino turned, the tap of her heels quick, the picture of professional efficiency.

Her daughter’s boots dragged, reluctant to follow.

Dr. Nishikino remained standing; Maki slumped in one of the tea table’s chairs.

“Are you dating anyone?” Her mother repeated.

“No.” Maki spoke very slowly, “I am not currently seeing any women.”

“No one cares about that. Just be discrete.”

“No.”

“We are being approached by very important families.” Her mother walked to the desk, handing a folder to Maki, “It is…difficult to refuse even a meeting.”

Maki opened the folder. Major companies in the Japanese and South Korean markets and their eligible sons.

“No.”

“Next loss is access to your credit cards.”

“I have my own investments.”

“Fine.” Dr. Nishikino grabbed the folder back, “Then, you find an apartment, pay for school, and the piano stays here.”

Maki’s fists clenched.

“Just meet them.”

Glaring. A test of wills. Then her mother softened, “Please, Maki. Just a few meetings. It will make your father’s life easier.”

Maki had recognized the names. Half of the families were her father’s regular golf companions.

”I won’t lie.”

Maki’s mother shrugged.

“I pick the place. Just coffee. One day, half hour each.Then you leave me alone.”

Maki didn’t negotiate. That was the best deal her parents were going to get. She held out the folder.

Dr.Nishikino took it back. “Agreed.”

###

Slow early afternoon. Yazawa Nico burned energy cleaning while Tojo Nozomi leaned on the counter trying to steal the pencil from her girlfriend, Ayase Eli, who was studiously copying cases for her current law school homework. Eli still preferred to do all her initial drafts on paper.

The door chimed. A tall, scowling redhead, occasionally seen walking by but never entering before today, was dressed in a severe black suit, cut out of the most expensive looking fabric Nico had ever seen. It moved like athletic wear, the skirt barely brushing the knee, the heels adding to an already impressive height. The woman strode straight to the counter, Nico straightening up and hastily smoothing down her apron.

“Nico Nico Ni! What can Nico get you today?” Nico chirped in her brightest voice.

Eli glanced up from her homework, curious.

“Espresso. There will be someone joining me. Bring it then. Every time.” The redhead handed over a card.

“What about the other...”

“I don’t care.”

“That’s not…”

Nozomi had noticed, sliding next to Nico, taking the card, reading the name. “It will be our pleasure, Ms. Nishikino.”

Maki nodded, moving to a seat not far from the counter and away from the window. She sat, crossed one leg over the other, and stared into her phone with a frown.

“So, dominatrix?” Nozomi whisper-asked.

“Go perv on your girlfriend, Tojo.”

“Bet there’s some frills underneath.”

Nico turned and glared at Nozomi, “Do you only work here to ogle customers?”

“It inspires my art.” Nozomi twirled back into Eli’s reach.

“Her latest short got accepted at Telluride.” Eli said proudly.

Nico grabbed Eli’s pencil. “If you’re not going to do homework, let’s talk about our band.”

Maki had put down her phone.

“”If my grades drop, there will be no band.” Eli could sound so seriously sensei.

“Your grades never drop. And you promised Nico. And…” here Nico started to sound whiny, “YOUR girlfriend wants us to be her next short’s soundtrack.”

“I do.” Nozomi had both Eli’s hands and was leaning in, poised for a kiss once she decided on a target location.

The door opened, generic tall man in suit walked in and immediately headed toward the only currently occupied table. His greeting was a curt nod.

“NIco’d better pull that espresso.” Nico pushed off the counter, still staring at Eli, “but we’re continuing this when Nico gets back.”

Espresso in hand, Nico jumped to the delivery part of her job. The woman acknowledged her approach with a glance, Nico decided to put on the full show. “Espresso for Ms. Elegant. Your suit is the fly-est thing Nico has ever seen. Bet it’s supersoft.”

The man fidgeted in his chair, adjusting the torso of his merely functional suit, “We would prefer not to be interrupted. Nishikino-san’s appearance is perfectly suited to a future professional in her position and should not draw comment.”

Nico leaned down to whisper in Maki’s ear, “Bet he can’t tell cashmere from cotton.”’’ Nico was surprised by a flush of pink on Maki’s cheek. She dared a fleeting brush of the sleeve. As soft as she imagined.

“I will have a Coffee Jelly Frappuchino.”

“Nico is sorry but we’re out.”

He glared. Nico smiled. Maki downed her espresso, a smirk on her lips.

“Sakura…”

“Only in Spring.”

“What do you have available?”

“Oh, Nico has a sweet tooth too…”

“I don’t have a sweet tooth.”

Maki had put down her espresso cup and was watching the conversation with the most interest she’d shown in anything yet.

“Would you like an espresso, like your…date?”

Maki slumped back. “It’s not a date.”

Business dude opened his mouth, but a gesture from Maki silenced him.

Nico was also a professional. “Our best selling seasonal drink is the Chocolate Pretzel Mocha Frappucino,” Nico winked at Maki, “salty and sweet.”

“Fine. Just hurry.” He waved Nico away, “Good afternoon, Nishikino-san. Thank you for agreeing to meet me. How is your father? We haven’t run into each other in a while.”

“He spends most of his time on the golf course. And boasts of how much he has won in bets from your father, Sasaki-san.”

A sly grin, “So coffee’s on your card?”

That attempt at flirting went so flat Nozomi winced and the conversation had ended by the time the pretzels arrived to be crunched. Which they were. Loudly.

When Sasaki-san rose to leave, Nico returned Maki’s card, but Maki refused to take it, “I’m not done yet. Please bring me another espresso. And a slice of Houjicha & Caramel Mousse Cake.”

“You do have a sweet tooth.”

Another slight blush, but no response. Nico shrugged and returned to the counter, shaking her head at Nozomi’s leer.

Eli was packing up. “Nico, I have to leave. You said we were going to talk music.”

The door open. This young man was wearing a Tokyo University hoodie and track pants.

“Give Nico a minute.”

“I’m leaving in ten minutes, Nico. I have class.”

“And I need five of them.” Nozomi was sitting next to Eli, hand on Eli’s thigh.

“Nico will be right back.” She pointed, “You’re in public.”

An espresso and cake delivery, with Nico walking up just as the new guy was finishing a sentence, “...next time we meet to play tennis together. I need a decent mixed doubles partner.”

“I don’t play tennis, Shima-san.”

Hoodie dude pushed away from the table, rolling his eyes at Nico, “This is a waste of time. I’ll have an iced coffee, 4 pumps vanilla syrup.”

“Nico’s on it.”

“How many do you think she has coming?” Eli wondered as Nico returned.

“The Nishikinos are one of Japan’s richest families. They must be marriage meetings.” Nozomi had been looking things up on the phone. “She’s a grad student, like Eli.”

“She seems young for that.” Nico prepped the iced coffee.

“Prodigy.”

“Be right back. Then we talk band.”

“Good. I’m going to be late.” Eli was now putting on a coat.

Nico sprinted back.

“We need a third person, Nico. Me on guitar and you singing isn’t enough.”

“Nico is a star.”

Eli sighed. “Even stars need percussion sections.”

“Maybe Nico can tap dance instead.” Nozomi had her arms wrapped around Eli, “That’s noisy.”

“Not funny.” Nico glanced back to the table. Hoodie dude was perpendicular to Maki, who startled and looked away as Nico turned. “We’ll put up ads or something. Reach out on social. Nico’s got fans.”

“We don’t need Nico’s fans. We need a musician, a good one.”

“Yeah,” Nozomi was pushing Eli out the door, “can’t have someone who’s just looking at Nico and trying hard not to scream.”

“Nozomi, be nice.” Eli stepped out of the hug.

“I am nice. I’m going to put your band in my award winning movie and save you from a law degree.”

“I’m still getting a law degree, Nozomi.” Eli kissed Nozomi soundly and ran off down the street with a wave. “Love you.”

“How did you find her?” Nico asked.

“I’ve always been lucky. You know that, Nico-chi.” Nozomi stepped aside so Hoodie Guy could flee.

“Rub some off on Nico.”

Nozomi reached out for Nico, who bolted back behind the counter.

“Not like that.”

###

Next in was a fedora wearer. With a very flashy waistcoat offsetting his tweed suit. Matcha latte. Maki back to just an espresso, but Nico noticed today’s top customer seemed to be getting increasingly fidgety. Fedora got a half smile with a joke, but when Nico returned with his drink, they seemed to be discussing Tokyo’s theatre scene. Maki did take a moment to nod in Nico’s direction as Fedora draw an air picture of a set.

“What’s the topic?”

“Set design.”

Nozomi looked blank.

“They both know a lot about Tokyo theatres.”

“Oh.”

Nozomi and Nico shared a glance. Maki kept fidgeting. Fedora left, but with a peppy step.

“Zero for 3…is she winning?” Nozomi asked.

Maki looked tired, her phone had buzzed, and she was listening to the other person, grunting occasionally.

“That doesn’t look like winning.” Nico decided.

“Two more or four more?” Nozomi tried to get excited at a wager, but the late afternoon wall was hitting all of them.

“Don’t know. Nico just hopes it’s over soon.” Nico smiled at a regular, taking their time at the menu. “It’s painful to watch.”

“You should slip her a chicken teriyaki sandwich.”

“Yeah. She looks wiped.”

“Flirting with a cute girl is one thing; rich people heteronormative marriage meat market is another.” Nozomi was doing a deep dive into the Nishikino rumor mill, “She was sometimes seen at the Symphony in the company of various performing artists.”

“Stop cyber stalking customers.”

“Researching potential funding. Deciding whether she’s into blondes or brunettes.”

Nico moved away from Nozomi, grabbing a sandwich from the fridge, warming it. Maki had her phone down and her eyes closed. Then she stretched.

“Here you go, kid.” Nico dropped the sandwich and a glass of water in front of Maki, “You need some food.”

“Maki. And I know what I need.”

“You should listen to Nico.”

The door opened. Maki glanced up, a clump of customers rushing in, but no one screaming “Rich Parent Approved” so Maki took a tentative bite of the sandwich.

“Still want espresso.” Maki muttered.

“Yeah, yeah, Nico knows.” And Nico backed into a tall Korean with a suit the match of Maki’s for elegance. Maki took another bite of sandwich.

“Please get my companion the espresso she requested.” New guy’s voice was smooth. “And another for me. Are you enjoying the sandwich, Nishikino-san?”

“‘S all right.” Maki muttered through a hasty third bite.

“And one of those as well.” He bowed toward Maki, “I am Gu Si Wong. It is an honor to meet you. Please accept this small gift.” He placed an Hermes bag on the table.

Nico headed for the counter. Nozomi had managed to surf the customer wave while still eavesdropping.

“They match. I like that. She’s ignoring the bag though.”

Nico glanced back. The bag had moved closer to Maki. “This isn’t a sport, Nozy. Or a play.”

“I’m enjoying it, Nico-chi.”

Maki still obviously wasn’t, although Gu-san had kept the conversation going.

Nico brought the order. Gu-san smiled, “Thank you, miss. Perhaps, as a local, you could recommend an evening activity. Someplace your boyfriend would take you.

“I’m a local.” Maki stated, pushing her plate aside.

“Boyfriends aren’t Nico’s style. Enjoy your sandwich. Nico Ni!” WIth a cherry bounce, Nico returned to the counter, where Nozomi was recruiting a pair of pink haired twins for her newest film.

Nico ignored that scene. Time to brew the evening’s coffee. They must be getting low.

###

“Zero for four” Nozomi announced.

Nico turned around to see a slumped Maki, yawning, ignoring her buzzing phone.

“I went on four dates in two days once.” Nozomi leaned forward, “I looked that tired after date three. But at least I enjoyed it.”

“Nico can’t watch this anymore. Cover the rest of my shift.”

“I have a date with Eli after her class.” Nozomi pouted, green eyes merry.

“I’ll open.”

“You’re so soft, Nico-chi.”

“Shut up.”

Another gentleman in a smart suit opened the door. Nico said, “Bye, Nozomi” and rushed in front of him, “You look good, buddy, but your date’s cancelled, go home.”

“What?”

Nico heard an echoing “what” behind her as a chair pushed back. Nico half turned, “Hi, Maki. Want to go for a walk with Nico?”

“Nishikino-san?” Smart Suit ignored Nico.

“Greetings, Taira-san.” Standing next to Nico, Maki bowed her head, “I have had a tiring day and find myself suddenly fatigued. Please accept my apology but I must reschedule.”

Smart Suit seemed flustered but matched Maki’s bow, “Of course, Nishikino-san. It is a pleasure to meet you. Of course, we can reschedule at your convenience.”

“Thank you.”

And then Nico found herself being pulled back to Maki’s table, “Why did you do that?” Maki leaned forward, perplexed.

“Do you want Nico to go get him back?” Nico half rose.

Maki laughed, “No. But my mother is going to ask so many questions.”

“Nico can write you a note.”

Maki ran her fingers through her hair, “I write my own notes.”

Nico sneaked a glance at the counter. Nozomi was totally ignoring customers to stare. “Nico really needs that walk. Outside. Away from…”

“She’s not subtle. Tojo Nozomi, right? The filmmaker.”

Nico raised an eyebrow.

“I might have eavesdropped, briefly.” Maki looked shy, twirling a curl around her finger, “So I hear you’re in a band.”

“Almost a band.” More Nozomi staring, maybe a giggle. “C’mon, Maki.” Nico stood, “You’re a local, take Nico someplace interesting.”

Maki slid an arm through Nico’s, a little giddy. Probably an after effect of all the espressos. That and the tremor in her voice as she asked. “Want to hear me play the piano? It’s not drums, but…”

That was a surprise. Maybe a good one. Definitely one Nico was going to think about. Later. But right now, Tokyo had a lovely afternoon and Nico had a date. “Nico would love to.”

A shy smile, the most relaxed of the day.

Point, Nico.

A/N:

Working on a more Femslash Friday fics goal. Kind of a loose riff off the arranged marriage bits of the Korean drama Business Proposal and Dove Cameron's catchy new single, which people keep bringing to my attention.Enjoy.

#NicoMaki #Yazawa Nico #Nishikino Maki #Maki's mom #NozoEli #Tojo Nozomi #Ayase Eli #Coffeeshop AU #Coffeeshop #Maki lives on espresso #and music #fun #arranged marriage #femslash friday #Femslash #demisexual

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lonelypond · 3 years

Text

Love Is For Losers

NicoMaki, Love Live, 1.7K, 1/2

Summary: Yazawa Nico and Nishikino Maki are both key players on the Otonokizaka University Tennis Team. But now Nico has decided to "improve" Maki's social media and tennis game.

Love Is For Losers

Not the most flattering picture of herself, racquet ready, waiting for the return of a serve, but Maki Nishikino really liked her look of concentration. So she hit “Post.”. And the hearts and reactions and fire emojis piled on. Wait, what was that comment, from @NicoNi? “With squinty eyes like that, how can you see the ball?”

WTF?!?!?!? Junior and top tennis singles player Nico Yazawa was notorious for living on social media. Since practice started in September, she’d been leading weekly social media best practice training sessions for the Otonokizaka University team that freshman Maki had proudly never attended. And now she was trolling Maki? Was that a social media best practice?

Maki never replied to a comment, but to let the smug Nico Ni have the last word would grate across every nerve Maki had.

To quickly type, “Who’s in the top 10 national standings again? Can you see that?” seemed almost an illicit thrill. To get an instant reply of eye emojis, plus a sweatdrop made Maki laugh out loud. Quickly scoping out the coffeeshop to check if she’d drawn any attention to herself, Maki clicked through to NicoNi’s home page, Nico’s last post was a bikini shot with an obscene amount of hearts and various emoji combinations in an endless comment scroll. Maki snorted, too obvious an attention grab. Maki would ignore it and stick to tennis, which she knew very well. Ah, there was a pic of Nico rushing the net, one of her favorite ways to use her sprint speed. Maki had an in.

“Spend less time looking at my pics and more time on your approach shots.”

Another instant reply. Another sweat drop. “Nico knows. But you’re so pretty. See you at media training ; )”

Did Nico think she was going to get Maki into one of her stupid sessions like that? Maki dropped her phone on the table, sipping her espresso with a frown.

###

Maki’s phone pinged explosively. A series of messages from her self proclaimed bestie and doubles partner, Hoshizora Rin.

R: hahaha Maki Ma you really need to be here

R: Nico’s going through your TWIG account as her “what not to do on social media” slideshow

R: it’s so funny, Maki

R: (*≧艸≦)(*≧艸≦)(*≧艸≦)

R: you missed out Check out Nico’s LIVE.

Maki stared at her phone. Nico’s Live, that happened when you went to someone’s TWIG profile and clicked on their pic, right? Maki did, grimacing as she clicked on Nico’s face. Nico was in front of a whiteboard, drawing pictures of tennis rackets, disgustingly cute tennis rackets. She leaned forward, checking her phone, then grinned like someone who’d just served a winning ace.

“And @Nishikinoshot has just joined the fans watching Nico on TWIG Live…”

Maki heard Rin yell “Hi Maki!!!” in the background as Nico continued, “One of the best ways to learn how to properly conduct and promote yourself on social media is to find an influencer you respect and build a relationship with them. @Nishikinoshot has chosen @NicoNi, the smartest move she…

“I have not.” Maki shouted at her phone and then felt silly when she realized there was no way for Nico to see or hear her, or was there? TWIG kept floating an “ask to join the Live” teaser, so Maki thumbed it. Nico paused, obviously her notifications were on, another one of those winning serve grins and suddenly Maki was sharing Nico’s screen.

“Jumping into the Live. Good initiative, Nishikino..”

“Maki.”

“So why’d you pick your TWIG handle?”

What kind of a question was that?

“Nishikino shot...you know...because of tennis...the Nishikino shot always scores.” Also worked with photography, a hobby Maki wanted more time for.

“Nishikino announces her prowess off and on the court.” Nico giggled, Maki glared.

“What are you saying? That’s not right.”

“Ah, so you admit it is confusing. Make a note of that, class, it’s always best to have a tag that doesn’t confuse people.” Staring right at Maki, ruby eyes twinkling, Nico made an elaborately surprised, amused face, raising a hand to cover her mouth. “We were reading it as Nishikino’s hot, ‘cause you are.”

Maki flushed. And fumbled with her phone to end the live, not even registering what other garbage Nico was saying. And then her phone pinged again.

R: Are you all right, Maki? Nico was just having a little fun.

M: I don’t want to talk about Nico.

R: Okay.

M: That was your fault.

R: Hey, I thought you’d want to know.

M; Yeah...but tomorrow, after practice, you’re on clean up.

R: Maaaaaki (⁎˃ᆺ˂)’

###

Grunting, Maki swung through at full velocity, then grimaced as yet another practice serve skipped out of bounds. She leaned over to pick up another couple of balls. Both buckets were empty. Tempted to throw her racket, instead she shook her head, tucked her racquet under her arm, grabbed a bucket and went to the other side of the court to pick up the balls.

“Hey, let me help you,” chirped an unfamiliar voice. Maki turned. Nico Yazawa had grabbed the other buckets and was hustling for the net. Nico was always hustling, all lean muscle and speed. Her sable hair, usually put up in twin tails, was loose, still wet from the shower. She’d changed from her usual practice uniform to casual pink and black striped biker shorts and an oversized pink t-shirt shirt that slid off her shoulder and read “Killer Cute.” “Coach ended practice an hour ago.”

Maki shrugged, starting with the balls as far away as possible from the spot Nico had chosen.

“You’re always out here.”

“I take tennis seriously.”

Nico hesitated, hands on her hips, watching Maki curiously over mirror sunglasses perched halfway down her nose, “Nico sees that. But you can get trapped in patterns if no one points them out.”

“I’m fine. I win.”

“Don’t you want to win better?”

“Win better? That’s not a thing.” Maki tapped her racquet against her leg, fidgety.

“Accuracy matters.” Nico picked up a tennis ball, tossed it into Maki’s bucket, and winked, “Crush your opponents with finesse, not raw power. Fewer wasted serves.”

Maki’s hasty rush of anger changed to curiosity. Nico led the team in aces, with amazing power for someone so short. “Coach hasn’t said anything.”

“Like you said, you get the job done. And Coach has other problems...like keeping Honoka from exhausting herself in the first few volleys.”

They both chuckled at how eager Honoka Kosaka was to chase down every ball, until she hit empty. As a joke, after their last practice, Rin had her girlfriend, Hanayo Koizumi, the team manager, post a photoshopped pic of a golden retriever playing next to Honoka’s double’s partner, Umi Sonoda. Honoka had laughed longer than anyone.

Nico was right, Maki realized. Coach had been spending a lot of time on the players with more basic problems. And their assistant spend most of the time on opponent research, editing video footage.

“Nico uses a platform stance, but Maki could get away with a pin-point stance. Watch my feet.” Nico grabbed a ball, tossing it up, swinging at it with a pretend racquet. Instead of her feet remaining the same distance apart, her back foot shifted closer to the front one and then she pushed off up into the serve. “You’ve already got natural explosive power, you don’t need a nitro boost.”

Maki considered, moving her feet through the change Nico suggested. It felt comfortable, offering more control. She nodded, then jumped back when Nico clapped her on the upper arm.

“You’re a quick learner. Hang on. Nico will hop over there and you can try it out. It’s more fun with an opponent.”

“I’ll win. You’ll be crushed.” Maki winked.

Nico laughed and it echoed. “Nico didn’t teach you everything Nico knows.”

###

“So you’re a local too.” Nico was scooping salad into Maki’s bowl. They’d decided to stop for dinner.

“Yeah. My family owns a medical center so I couldn’t just go off anywhere.”

Nico paused, eyebrow raised. “Why not?”

“I’ve been working there since…” Maki tried to remember her first job at the hospital, how old was she? She remembered sitting at her father’s desk, coloring in specially made anatomy chart pages in elementary school. Did that count as a job? “Forever.”

“Ah. Nico had to stick close for family too. Three sibs.” Nico flashed a smile and three fingers. “They’re the best, but they rely on Nico.”

“Your parents work a lot?” Maki understood that.

“Yeah, my mom does. My dad died when I was little.”

Maki paled, what did you say to that. “I’m sorry” came out as a mumble.

A sigh, weary, as Nico pushed Maki’s filled bowl in her direction, “Me too. But we survived. He taught me tennis. And…” Nico put on a sparkling smile, bounced her hands up to her temple, rock hands gesture, and her voice became brighter. “Nico Nico Ni.” Then she relaxed back to normal, “He said it could cheer up the whole world..”

Maki remembered something. “Nico Nico is the ideophone for smile.”

Nico leaned forward, “So the Nishikino isn’t just for show.”

Maki shook her head, “We have a hospital in Tokyo too. I’ve spent a lot of summers there.”

“Wow, a doc and a jet setter. So why tennis?”

“I liked it better than golf. My parents said piano didn’t count as a networking activity.”

“Piano? Classic stuff.” Nico created a melody on an air keyboard.

“Some. And jazz. I get to take a couple of music classes, at least this year.”

Nico wondered if Maki realized how robotic she sounded, and how laced through with sadness her mood was as she talked about her family.

“Hey, Nishikino…”

“Maki.”

“Maki. Play for Nico sometime. Nico loves singing. My dad always said I should go on American Idol.”

“Sorry.” Maki twisted a curl of hair, “I don’t play those kind of songs.”

Maki obviously just needed to know more about Nico, which was Nico’s favorite topic. “Nico is multifaceted. We can do Ella and Count Basie, if you want. With the time you save not practicing your serve.”

Nico winked, her multifaceted ruby eyes cheerful pulls as she hummed. Maki found herself intrigued. “I’ll think about it.”

“Nico will be your personal tennis coach to make sure you improve.”

“Not necessary.” Maki leaned back to signal the waiter. Time to start the main course.

A/N: Another AU Yeah August entry, college rivals was requested and the Olympics put me in a sports mood. Planning another chapter.

Still taking requests.

#NicoMaki #Love Is For Losers #Nishikino Maki #Yazawa Nico #au yeah august #AUYEAHAUGUST21 #tennis #rivals #college

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