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poeticandors · 7 years ago

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So This Is Christmas

Poe Dameron x Reader Modern!AU

Request: poe x reader au where it’s Christmas time in nyc and poe is trying to get the reader in the christmas spirit (because she’s such a grinch)??? also your name is super pretty!!

Warnings: ANGST, but then fluff

A/N: OMG Thank you for the compliment anon! You are so sweet!! Also, the song is As Long As There’s Christmas (Reprise) from Beauty and the Best the Enchanted Christmas. Yes, it is one of my favorite holiday movies. Also, I know that the tree in the GIF isn’t from Washington Square Park but it was what I was picturing in this fic.

I do not own anything!

Christmas.

To many, it was a cherished day. Spending time decorating a tree, making cookies for Santa, and basking in the holiday cheer.

To you, it was just another day.

You didn’t hate Christmas. You just never really grew up doing those things like other children did. Growing up in New York City, your parents spent most of the holidays working and away from home, so you were left to spend Christmas alone. Sure, they would leave presents, but what good is spending one of the biggest holidays by yourself?

This alone was enough to make you wonder why everyone loved Christmas so much. Maybe it was because you were jealous of how others spent this time with their family members.

Regardless, you never decorated your apartment, never got a tree, and you certainly never left cookies for Santa. You didn’t particularly enjoy Christmas music and were creeped out by the classic Claymation Christmas movies they would play every year.

To many, you would be deemed a Grinch.

But to one person, you were just missing that spark of Christmas Spirit.

You have lived next door to Poe Dameron for five years now, the two of you starting in college looking to get a head start on life. As time went on, you two became quite close: always having movie nights, going out to eat at least three times a week, and hitting up the bar at the bottom of your apartment every Friday night.

It wasn’t hard for you to develop feelings for Poe. I mean, who wouldn’t? He was so handsome with his dark hair and dark eyes, that charming smile that made all of the ladies swoon, and his caring attitude. Yeah, he was perfect.

People would often mistake the two of you for a couple and your cheeks would warm at the comment, while Poe would laugh it off. This ruined any hope of you ever getting together with him, so you just buried your feelings deep down.

Being best friends with Poe meant learning all of his quirks. Like how much he cares for his orange and white corgi, BB, his love for pizza, and how much of a soft spot he has for Disney movies.

And the fact that he loves Christmas.

A lot.

Sometimes it drove you insane, how his apartment would already be decorated with the cheesiest decorations. The way his living room would smell of pine and cinnamon. But what irked you the most was how he would play Christmas music 24/7.

Poe has asked you many times before why you hate Christmas so much. You would usually shrug your shoulders or just change the subject. Poe would respect your wishes and spark up a different conversation.

Poe cared for you more than anything, and he noticed how your mood would change from the moment November 30th ended and December 1st began. Although the two of you would exchange gifts, Poe usually spent Christmas with his dad back home. But this year he wasn’t able to get a ticket in time before the news mentioned there was going to be a bad snowstorm.

“I can’t believe you won’t be home for Christmas, son.”

“I know, Dad.” Poe sighed into the phone. “I wish I could be there with you. I know you don’t like spending Christmas alone.”

“It’s fine. Maybe you can spend it with Y/N.” Poe scoffed.

“Dad, Y/N hates Christmas.” It sounded like Kes choked on whatever he was drinking—probably coffee.

“What? No one hates Christmas.”

“Well, Y/N does. I have asked multiple times why, but she just refuses to answer.”

“Hmm. Well, maybe she just didn’t grow up with celebrating Christmas in her life. Maybe all she needs is just a little bit of Christmas spirit.” Poe took in his father’s words, and finally smiled widely.

“Dad, I gotta go. I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you” Kes gave him his love and Poe quickly placed his phone in his pocket as he ran for his coat to gather some supplies.

Poe was going to help you see that Christmas isn’t so bad.

You walked up the stairs of your apartment carrying bags of groceries, huffing angrily. Most of Christmas Eve for you was spent running as many errands that you could. With this snow storm coming, you had to prepare, so you got all of the necessary items needed. Now, all you wanted to do was put on your sweats and fuzzy socks and binge watch Stranger Things.

Struggling to find your keys, they slipped from your grasp and you sighed. As you bent down, all of your groceries fell from the two paper bags and you groaned loudly.

Poe quickly peeked around your apartment door and looked down at you. It wasn’t a strange thing, Poe being in your apartment. You gave him a spare key in case you were to come home late from work and wouldn’t have been able to feed your cat, Kay.

“Y/N, are you okay?”

“Yeah, Poe.” You sighed. “It’s just been a long day and I would really like to relax—“

“Actually, that is why I am here. Since I am not going to be able to spend Christmas with my dad, who sends his love by the way, I decided…” He stepped back into the apartment and in his hands was a storage box. “We are going to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas together.”

“Poe.” You said sternly. “You know how I feel—“

“I know how you feel about Christmas. But I just want to show you that it’s not all that bad. I want to give me a chance in showing you that Christmas isn’t all that you think it is.”

“Poe, I just…” You trailed off as you saw him push his bottom lip out and look at you with pleading eyes.

Damn him. Poe knew the affect his puppy dog face had on you.

“Fine.” You grumbled. “But only because I don’t feel like spending the rest of my day alone. Plus, you owe me dinner from last week.” Poe’s eyes lit up and he leaned forward to place a kiss on your cheek, which instantly warmed at the touch.

“Great! I have the whole rest of the day planned out. First, we are going to decorate the tree I got you.”

“YOU GOT ME A TREE?”

Poe was so excited that you agreed to let him spend Christmas with you. He had the whole day planned for the two of you.

It started off with you decorating the tree. You had to admit, it was kind of fun watching Poe get tangled in the lights. Poe even let you place a couple ornaments that he and his mother made when he was just a boy, which you were careful of handling.

When the tree was finally decorated, Poe thought it would be cute to take you and BB to take pictures with Santa. Although you protested, you finally agreed when not only Poe showed you his puppy dog face, but BB as well. How could you resist that cute orange and white face?

Poe dragged you along to Macy’s where you three stood in line for what seemed like hours. When it was finally your turn, rather than have you sit on Santa’s lap, BB did while you stood next to Santa and Poe stood behind you, placing his hand around your waist. You tried to ignore how close Poe pulled you to him and focused more on taking the actual picture.

After purchasing the pictures, which were honestly the cutest ever, and taking BB home, Poe decided it would be nice to take you ice skating in Central Park. Poe held onto your hand as you struggled to find your balance and at one point you fell flush into his chest, his arms wrapping around you automatically. The two of you stared into each other’s eyes— the closeness causing his warm breath to ghost against your cheek—and you could feel your cheeks becoming flushed. Quickly, you pushed away from him, still holding onto his hand, and allowed him to pull you along the skating rink.

The sun was setting and you figured Poe was done showing you the “Christmas spirit”. Admittedly, you did have a good time and did start to get a soft spot for Christmas, but you still just couldn’t feel that Christmas spirit.

Instead of telling the taxi to go back home, Poe asked to go to Washington Square Park and you raised your brows.

“This is the last spot, Y/N/N, I promise.” He placed a gloved hand to rest on your thigh. “We will get some hot chocolate, listen to some carolers, and watch as the tree lights up.” You nodded and eyed his hand before looking out of the window.

“Hey, Y/N?” You turned your head, Poe solemnly gazing into your eyes.

“I know what you’re going to ask, Poe. How come I hate Christmas.” Poe nodded slightly and you sighed. “It’s not that I necessarily hate it, per se, I just… never had a real Christmas.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, my parents were always working Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I was usually stuck with some babysitter who would spend time complaining about how they weren’t with their family and had to take care of me instead. When I got older, I just spent the day eating dinner alone until they came back and continued to ignore me. So no, I don’t hate Christmas. I just hated the feeling of being alone and hated hoping that one day things would change when I knew they wouldn’t.” Poe called your name tenderly, grazing his gloved hand over yours.

“Y/N, I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“It’s fine, Poe.” You shook your head. “And what about you? Why do you love Christmas so much?” Poe’s eyes lit up, but his face still stayed somber.

Before he could answer, the taxi arrived at your destination. After paying the fare, Poe got out first, rushing behind the taxi so he could open the door for you, his hand held out for you. Taking his hand, you stepped out of the taxi and relished in the cold, crisp air—your breath visible through puffs.

Right in front of the Washington Square Park arch, you saw a grand tree beautifully decorated. The sun wasn’t quite down yet, but close enough that any minute, the lights on the tree would soon turn on.

Poe treated you to some hot chocolate, which you nodded in thanks—grateful for the extra feeling of warmth. The two of you walked around the park, too scared or nervous to strike up conversation, and you slowed to a stop perfect enough to see the tree without having to look over others.

Snow started to fall and you tried to bury your chin deep into your scarf. Behind you, carolers started to hum in sync, notes variating through high and low octaves, causing you to crane your head and take in the lyrics that followed.

When I felt lost and lonely

Not a dream in my head

Poe coughed and you shifted your glance up to him. He didn’t look at you—was more focused instead on the Styrofoam cup in his hands—but spoke up.

“You asked me why I loved Christmas so much?” You didn’t answer, but Poe already knew that was what you asked earlier and sighed.

“Well, it was my mom’s favorite holiday. Every year, she would have me make my own ornament for the tree that we would go out and cut ourselves. Decorating the tree was always my favorite part. She was honestly the best, I kid you not.” Poe smiled to himself, straightening his stance, and looking towards the tree.

Your words lifted my spirits

I remembered what you said

“She knew exactly how to place the lights to where there were no spots left unlit. The ornaments were always strategically placed and she would always let me place the angel on top. All while singing her favorite Christmas songs. As much as she loved decorating the tree, though, what she loved the most was being able to spend it with my dad and me.”

As long as there’s Christmas I truly believe

That hope is the greatest of the gifts we’ll receive

“When she died, the first Christmas without her was the hardest.” Poe’s voice became quieter and your heart ached for him. “There was no one to help me make an ornament and we couldn’t even bare to get a tree that year because we knew it wouldn’t compare to all of the ones my mom decorated. But most of all, it wouldn’t be the three of us like it was.” Poe paused, as if he was trying to keep himself from choking up.

“What hurt the most was knowing that all of the other Christmases would be just like that. Which is why the following year, my dad made sure that every year was how it was when she was alive—as if she was never gone in the first place.”

As long as there’s Christmas

I truly believe

That hope is the greatest of the gifts we’ll receive

“That’s why I love Christmas so much, Y/N. Because it’s not about the presents or anything like that. It’s about that special feeling you get when you are surrounded by people you love. Every time I look at a Christmas tree or hear one of her favorite Christmas songs, I am reminded that her love is what made Christmas special.”

There’ll always be Christmas

So there’ll always will be a time when the world

Is filled with peace and love

Poe finally looked down at you to find you staring up at him—your eyes brimmed red with tears and your mouth slightly agape. What was going on in your mind, he wondered.

You didn’t expect the day to go like this at all. You didn’t expect for his actions today and his words to stick into your mind and help you understand what Christmas truly meant. All those years you felt lonely, unwanted during the time of the year where it should have been spent with those you loved.

You should have been spending the last five years with Poe, you realized.

You didn’t even notice that your arm was pressed up against his, but you didn’t move. As Poe stared down on you, his chest warmed at the sight of you and how close you were to him. He always thought you were beautiful and cared for you more than anything.

As if on cue, the lights on the tree turned on and in that moment, Poe was even more stunned. The lights danced on your Y/E/C eyes and made your skin look even more ravishing. Snowflakes landed on your lashes and sprinkled into your hair—his heart skipping a bit.

“Thank you for today, Poe. You have made this one of the best Christmases I never thought I could have.” The two of you were leaning in closer to one another, as if something was pulling the two of you close together. “Thank you for showing me what Christmas was really about.” Poe hummed and continued leaning in.

You watched as his eyes flickered down to your lips, and then back up to your eyes. Poe whispered your name tenderly, reaching a gloved hand and grazing it just on the side of your neck—his thumb under your jaw and his fingers ghosting underneath your ear.

Your lips parted and just as Poe leaned in, you closed your eyes—your heart racing in your ears. Poe kissed you tenderly, as if you would falter right in his grasp. One of your hands was flat against his chest, while the other snaked up to the back of his neck, pulling him in closer.

Poe broke the kiss—the two of you gasping softly for breath—and leaned his forehead against yours as his eyes bore into your Y/E/C ones.

“Merry Christmas, Y/N.” You smiled and for the first time, truly understood the meaning behind those words.

“Merry Christmas, Poe.”

Tagging because Poe: @propertyofpoeandbucky @cobalt-one @firefeatherx

Permanent Tag List: @geeksareunique @beautifulfound

#poe dameron x reader #poe x reader #poe dameron imagine #poe dameron #christmas #bb8

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jainarepellista · 7 years ago

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Tower of God S2ch277 Rough Translations

...?

Who...?

.....!!

Baam..!!

......Ah..

Who are you? // Did you defeat that rat?

.....!!

What do I say?

Should I tell him I'm Rachel?

No.. I can't..!

If I tell him the truth, it'll be difficult to use my being here to my advantage. // I have to meet with Yura-ssi first.

I'll make a deal with Baam and the others afer that.. So..

I.. I'm..

I'm.. Icarus.

Icarus..? // Are you a data human?

I.. I think.. so?

...?

Ah!! Y..yeah, I'm a data human!!

(Haha)

So you don't need to mind me!! // I'm just an ordinary data human!!

I'm to~tally not a suspicious person.

She's a very suspicious person..

Congratulations for clearing the stage!!

You are eligible to go to the next stage!

Scan the scroll inside the mirror with your sin meter

to open the path to the next stage!!

!! We did it!! // The path to the next stage is open!

Sorry, I'm busy!! // Thanks for defeating the rat!!

W.. Wait!!

....Ah..

Stage..?

??F Hell Train - Hidden Hidden Floor - 03

...Why aren't we going?

What are we standing here for?

..That's..

I have a bad feeling..

Hm..?

A bad feeling..?

...!!

What's that!?

Snakes...?!

That's..

No way...!!

Hello.

Princess.

Did it say princess.. // Is it..?!

I see..

So you're my nemesis.

Cultivator (lit. [aqua] culturist)

Cultivator..?

..Ah... it's that thing's nickname.

It's my nemesis.

But... that's weird. // You should've noticed it if it's your nemesis..

Besides, how come it's not showing any hostility!! (lit. it's impossible for [a nemesis] to not be hostile]

What.. is happening..?

The others killed it!?

This guy was getting out of control. // But rest easy.

Any entity that has murderous intent is quickly eliminated..

Even if this is a virtual world // I will never harm you, princess, my jewel.

So that thing is composed of multiple entities // and it maintains control by eliminating any entity that has murderous intent?

Is that even possible?

So.. // What do you want?

Take me with you.

I will become your power, princess.

....!!

And of course, the princess' enemies, as well as everyone who are not suitable for a princess like you,

I will get rid of them all

Like those guys in the Quarantine Area

Hey you, what did you do to them!!

I killed them all. // They will just become nuisances in the future if you took them with you.

Ah. I'm sorry for you. // I messed up your game.

What..!?

I know. That the reason you tried to get them out of the Quarantine Area // wasn't out of a sense of friendship or compassion.

You just wanted a perfect escape.

You wanted to escape the Quarantine Area that Big Breeder created in the best possible way. // You'll definitely feel a bigger sense of accomplishment if you manage to get them out.

I know children like you.

Those who are born with abilities far greater than others // who sometimes act like they're helping others weaker than them. But well.. those good deeds are just a mask they wear for their own amusement.

Making them escape.. is just one of your 'games'.

You bastard..!!

I'll kill you!!

Stop it, Yu Han Sung!!

..........

Don't try to fight him. // You felt it, right?

....That guy is completely different from us.

That... // is a guy that we cannot deal with with our strength alone.

We're busy too, so it would be great if he isn't an enemy.

Let's give him what he wants.

......Keuk..!!

Huhu // As expected.

Although this is a virtual world // I can travel together with a grown up you, princess

..........

Let's go back to the village.

So.. what you're saying..

Is that Sachi and I.. have been here in this Hidden Floor before // And you guys came here to meet the data of Zahard.

Big Breeder is actually Zahard's underling, and he's interfering with us from finding Zahard // by making us do fake quests

And that those rats just now were the villain for the real Grand Quest..?!

Hm. You got it.

What do you mean I got it!! // Did you think I would just suddenly understand all of that!!

(I just memorized them!!)

Let's go, Sachi! // I'll go crazy if we stay with these guys any longer.

You've already lost it. Give up.

Koon-ssi!!

Baam!

The scroll..!! // It changed to the next stage once the final rat got dealt with!!

..!! Really?!

Yu Han Sung-ssi..! What about the Quarantine Area..

Why are there only two of you..?

........

The data humans in the Quarantine Area..

are all dead.

W.. What do you mean dead!?

...I'll tell you about it later.

We're in a hurry right now.. // We have to get to the next stage first..

Did you clear the Grand Quest?

Yes. It's here..

Then please wait for a bit

I'm getting Batis-ssi.

Batis-ssi.

Yu... Han Sung..

I came from the Quarantine Area.

...!! Di..d eve..ryone.. es..cape?!

That's..

They're all dead. We met a nemesis in the middle of it..

Th...en..

I'm very sorry. // I cannot keep my promise with everyone..

Maybe I..

Really thought that having everyone escape was just a game.

I actually had more important goals-

Saving all of you was just a small goal in the midst of those [bigger goals] // A part of me has probably given up because I must have only thought of it merely as a test I must pass.

I'm sorry. Batis-ssi.

It's.. alright. // It's.. not.. you..r fau..lt.

Batis-ssi..?

W..e.. are.. just d..ata hu..mans a..nyway.

They.. will n..ot live.. until.. the nex..t warr..iors ..come ..in. // It's.. the s..ame wi..th Rose..

From.. the begi..nning, our.. lives an..d deaths.. // we..re all.. just ..a jo..ke..

Big.. Breeder.. has be..en doing.. whatev..er he wanted.. ever.. since..

When.. the..y live.. aga..in

The.. y would.. n't w.. want to.. live in s.. such a w.. world any m.. more. // We.. we'll get.. th..this vill.. age.. back fr..from Big.. Breeder..

T.. that, a.. lone, is.. enough.

Batis-ssi...

Let's.. go.. // I have... m.. more to.. say.. but we h.. have to g.. get.. going.

Yes.

Wait-!!

W... // what..

do I.. do now..

Forget... everything y.. you've.. seen. // Al.. al.. though Big.. Breeder.. will make s.. sure you for.. get.. anyway

Please.. t.. take care of... Rose.

And... wait

..In the f..uture, there... will fin.. ally be a.. time.. when on..ly the.. song of tr..truth fills.. the city.

Let's go. // To the next 'stage'-

.........

What do I do..? // I missed my chance to interrupt.

But why the heck is Yu Han Sung person over there?! // Where is Yura-ssi..? And Hoaquin and the Traveller

I have no idea what's going on...

They look like they're planning to go somewhere..

I should probably follow them for now // but should I tell them that I'm Rachel?

No, I can't.. I'll have to give up everything and explain why I look like this then..!!

Wait-!!

Aaah-!!

This is..?

Outsiders!! // Congratulations on passing the stage!

You are qualified to go to the next stage!! // Please choose one from these stages!!

....?

Wait! I'll do it! // We can't make a mistake here.

I know the shortest order of stages to follow to meet 'Koon Eduan'-nim.

What!?

W-w-w-w-wait a sec!! // You.. mean to say.. that the data of the Family Head we're meeting is..!?

Oh.. yeah. // It's the Koon family head.

The data of Koon Eduan-nim.

#Tower of God #translations #S2ch277

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vanderlinde-moved · 7 years ago

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a bitter truth (part four)

Jyn escapes, Cassian receives a misson.

part one / part two / part three

read it on ao3!

“You aren’t looking too good, Hallik,” Dameron hisses between his teeth, pulling her into a nearby storage closet. Once the door is closed, he takes off his helmet and steadies her with both of his hands. His eyes are concerned; she doesn’t know why he cares. “What happened to you?”

“I was a–prisoner,” Jyn slurs, wavering slightly despite his grip. Her eyelids flutter, but she knows that she shouldn’t sleep right now, no matter how much she wants to. She can’t kill Krennic if she dies right now. “What d’you think hap’ens?”

“Shit,” he grits out, grasping her shoulders with two hands and shaking her slightly. She relishes the feel of his cool hands on her fevered skin. “You gotta stay awake, okay?”

“Mhmm,” Jyn agrees, her head dropping onto her chest. With great effort, she pulls it back up and tries to look Dameron in the eyes. She’s fine. Just a little tired. That’s all, it’s nothing to worry about. “Yeah. . .I gotta. . .do somethin’. Kill ‘im. Then I can. . .sleep. . .”

He looks alarmed at her comment, but still nods fervently, as if agreeing with her will somewhow keep her awake. “Yeah, that’s right. You have to kill someone. So you can’t go to sleep until you do that and after we rescue my crew, okay?”

Jyn narrows her eyes and manages to tell him, “‘m not a murderer. S’not why ‘m here anyway. It’s ‘cause ‘m a rebel. . . .Don’t tell anyone, though, ‘kay?”

(sure, she’s killed before, but almost always in self-defense. she’s not a murderer. but this? she’s going to repay krennic for all of pain he’s caused her.)

“Yeah, I figured,” he mutters. At this point, he’s practically holding her up. “New plan. You’re going to collapse at any minute now so I’m just going to. . .” he lowers her to the ground gently, leaning her up against the wall. “I’m going to see if I can rescue my team, okay? Then I’m coming back for you. But you can’t fall asleep. Just. . .ah, rest here for awhile.”

Jyn shakes her head slowly. Dameron’s figure is hazy above her and she has to squint to make him out, but she can barely see his face. “Don’t leave. People always leave and then never. . .they never come back.”

“I promise I’ll come back, Liana,” he says solemnly, placing a hand over his heart. It might be the fever (and if he asks, that’s what she’ll say) but that small gesture brings tears to Jyn’s eyes. “And I don’t break my promises.”

“‘kay,” Jyn replies, for lack of anything better to say. She’s getting tired anyway and doesn’t want to argue the issue anymore. If he doesn’t come back, then he’ll be just like everyone else who she’s let into her life.

(and if he does come back, then he’ll be like cassian.)

She watches Dameron put his helmet back on and hears the sound of the closet door opening and then shutting softly before her head drops forward and her eyes flutter closed.

She’s never been good at following orders anyway.

When Draven comms him with information about a potential mission, Cassian’s not technically cleared for duty yet. But it’s wartime, and he’s well enough, and the Rebellion needs every able bodied soldier they can get their hands on.

(able bodied is a relative term. physically, he’s on the mend and yet he can’t remember the last time he slept peacefully without drugs.)

The job itself is easy enough. Cassian knows he has Draven to thank for that; even though the General appears as cold and uncaring, the two of them share some sort of bond that’s almost familial. Even without saying anything, Cassian knows that Draven understands he’s still on the mend.

There’s nothing Draven can do, however, even if he wanted to. The Rebellion needs soldiers and that’s exactly what he is. Albeit a broken one, but a soldier nonetheless.

He’s been assigned as backup for one of the newer Intelligence recruits, which he hasn’t been placed as in a long time. If all goes well, he won’t even have to leave the ship, since he’ll be able to monitor the situation through comms and hourly reports.

Secretly he’s thankful, even though he knows that he can be doing more to help. His legs aren’t completely healed yet and this is the first mission he’s run in the past decade or so without Kay. Having a human partner who won’t be spouting out statistics left and right will be an adjustment, to say in the least.

His partner’s name is Private Ria Halos. He doesn’t know who she is, but he’s been out of commission for the past couple weeks so it doesn’t concern him as much as it normally would. While he normally knows majority of the faces in the Rebellion, he’s been stuck in the medbay ever since he broke out two weeks ago and hasn’t had the chance to watch the crowds as much as he usually does.

Besides the nurses, Shara had been his only company. She’d regaled him with her pilot stories and kept him up to date on the gossip. Neither of them talked about Kes. There hadn’t been a point in it, not when it’s clear that he’s not going to make it back to base.

Neither of them talked about how they were each other’s only family now either.

Still, Shara hadn’t mentioned there being a large crop of new recruits lately in their talks, though it’s entirely possible that this is one of her first missions for the Alliance. Her file did say she had risen through the ranks remarkably quickly. He’s going to have to be extra vigilant, then, if that’s the case, to make sure everything goes by the books. After all, one of his first missions had ended with him stealing and re-programming an Imperial droid.

(not like that had been a bad thing, though.)

With a sigh, he shoves the data pad containing the mission brief into his bag and heads for the hangar bay. He’s still limping; he tries not to let it show. The last thing he needs is to be sent back to the medical bay with a firm order to take it easy for a couple of days.

After all, the Alliance needs him. What good is he if he can��t help?

Jyn wakes to alarms. Again.

“Kriffing hell,” she mutters, then swears viciously in just about every language she knows before her stream of curse words breaks off into a coughing fit.

(he never came back.)

Her head pounds in time with her heartbeat and bile creeps up the back of her throat. She leans her head back against the wall and shuts her eyes, willing herself not to puke in an Imperial storage closet.

It doesn’t work.

Two seconds later, she’s on her hands and knees retching up what must have been her breakfast. She can’t remember eating it. It doesn’t matter, though. It’s not like it had been very much.

As soon as she’s wiping a hand over the back of her mouth and trying not to gag at the smell, the door cracks open and a figure slips inside. Jyn struggles to get to her feet but the person beats her to it, helping her up. With a start, she realizes that it’s Dameron. He’s no longer wearing the stormtrooper armor, but instead an Imperial uniform that looks too much like the one Cassian wore on Scarif.

(that memory alone is enough to make her stomach churn with nausea again.)

“We need to go,” he says urgently, pushing her forward. She places one hand on her forehead, wincing at how her head throbs in time with the alarms. “Now, Hallik.”

“What hap’ened?” she responds after a couple of beats. Her feet aren’t moving like they’re supposed to and she falls backwards, only being held up by Dameron’s eyes. Her head really hurts and she’s really hot. Suddenly the prison uniform she’s wearing feels like too many clothes. She needs to take it off. “It’s so–hot. Why’s it so. . hot?”

Dameron swears, running a hand through his sweat-dampened hair. For some reason, he looks distressed at the sight of her. Jyn figures it’s probably because it’s been a couple weeks since she'd last showered. She certainly feels disgusting. “Listen, I kriffed up. We need to go and you won’t make it out of here walking. Can I carry you?”

“You gotta. . .take me out f’. . .a drink first. . .” she mumbles, closing her eyes and swaying slightly. The last thing she needs is to be carried through a Star Destroyer. She’s fine. Just give her a blaster and she’ll be fine. “I can. . .I can walk. . .”

He makes a noise of disagreement, then bends down to pick her up. But he doesn’t grab her bridal style like she had expected. Instead, he hoists her over his shoulder, keeping a firm grip on her legs. “Sorry,” he grunts, once they’re out in the hallway. Every step he takes jostles her against his back. “I need one hand on my blaster.”

“S’not okay,” Jyn mutters against his shirt, letting her arms hang above her head uselessly. Despite her words, she’s too tired to fight him right now. Later, though. She’s going to fight him later. “Put me down.”

“No can do,” he replies, tightening his hold on her as he turns a corner. As Dameron picks up his pace into an unsteady job, Jyn groans, the motion making her dizzy. “Shit –don’t puke on me! We’re almost there, I promise!”

In need of a distraction, she gasps out, “Why. . .why are th’ alarms goin’ off again?”

His fingers dig into her calves. “I made a mistake,” he grits out after a moment’s hesitation, clearly not wanting to talk about it, “and got my team killed.”

Cassian falling down the data tower plays over and over in her head. She knows all too well how he feels.

(she should have gone back for him.)

A squad of stormtroopers is coming down the hallway to her left; she can hear the sound of their boots pounding on the steel floor. When she tells Dameron as much, he only picks up his pace and heads toward the nearby room. Pulling out a keycard from his pocket, he swipes it through the lock and darts into the room. “Perks of stealing an officer’s uniform.”

The room they’re in look like barracks. There’s a set of bunk beds pushed in the corner and he sets Jyn down on the bottom one gently. She puts her head in her hands and tries to stop the room from spinning while he pauses to catch his breath.

“We’re almost there,” he says finally, shooting a look at the door. She can’t hear the stormtroopers anymore, but she’s not so foolish to believe they’re gone. “I managed to find the hangar bay before coming back for you.”

“That was–too close out there,” she manages, wrapping one arm around her stomach. She can feel her wound burning through the thin material of her shirt. “You should go. I. . .have t’ do somethin’ here.”

(something she should have done on the top of the data tower, injuries be damned.)

“You’re crazy. Really? You think I’m just going to leave you behind after I left about ten of my men to the mercy of the Empire?”

“Not your fault.”

“I don’t care,” Dameron snaps, pacing away from her and throwing his hands up in the air. “Those were my men, under my control. I left them to die because there–there–”

Jyn fills in the rest for him, knowing exactly what he’s going to say. “There wasn’t anything. . .” a pause, a rattling breath, “anythin’ you could have done to save them.”

He levels her with his gaze. “And that’s exactly why I can’t leave you behind. Well, I wouldn’t either way, but. You get what I mean.”

Jyn shakes her head and tries to stand up, gripping the metal bed frame for support. “Listen, I have to do something. I gotta. . .” her vision tunnels, then clears once again. “I have to kill Krennic, okay?”

Dameron gapes. She juts her chin up defiantly and stares him down.

He breaks first. “You’re not serious, are you? Force, you’re serious. Are you kidding me, Hallik? How the kriff are you going to kill a high level Imperial officer and make it out of here alive?”

“It’s Jyn,” she says evenly. She figures he ought to know her name if she’s going to die on this ship. And he hadn’t left her behind, which counts for–something. At his look of confusion, she adds, “My name's Jyn. And I don’t need t' make it out of here alive. I just. . .I just need him dead.”

“Liana–Jyn. I’m not leaving you behind so you can go off and kill someone!” he snaps. “My whole team is dead. If I can’t get them out, then I can at least rescue you.”

“I’m not. . .going with you,” she grits out, crossing her arms over her chest. Her strength wavers; she’s been standing up too long but she’s not going to back down. “I’m killing him, Dameron. Kes–” her voice cracks, “I need to.”

“No,” he says, shaking his head. In one fluid movement, he bends down to pick her up and toss her over his shoulder. “No, we’re getting out of here alive. I’m not going to let you die!”

Jyn struggles in his grip, but her vision is growing darker and darker. She’s so hot again all of the sudden. Even as she grows weaker and her eyelids flutter closed, she fights, beating her fists against his back. “Kes, please. . .”

As she falls into unconsciousness, she thinks she hears him whisper, “I’m sorry, Jyn. I really am.”

“Private?”

“Captain Andor, sir,” Halos salutes, all business. “We should be ready to leave as soon as you are, sir. I’m just finishing up the preflight checks.”

Cassian nods, dropping his bag off in a corner of the cargo bay and heading up front to the cockpit. Halos follows him. It takes some effort to climb up the ladder with his leg, but he (barely) manages. To hide his lack of breath, Cassian asks, “Any trouble?”

“No, sir. Everything looks good.”

He checks over the controls himself, just to make sure. When he’s satisfied with her work, he gives her a sharp nod that has her ducking her head to hide a smile. Cassian pretends not to see, busying himself with the controls. “Strap in then, Private.”

“Yes, sir,” she says, heading back to the cargo bay. He’s both relieved and disappointed when she doesn’t sit in the copilot’s chair.

(jyn had tried to sit there once, on the way to jedha. when kay had returned from checking over the engine and she refused to get out of his seat, he sat on top of her and pretended she wasn’t there.

cassian had hidden his laughter until she left with a disgruntled look on her face. he, unlike kay, hadn’t wanted to risk jyn’s ire, especially not when she still had his blaster.

“what?” kay had asked petulantly, his head swiveling in his direction. “she was in my seat.” )

“This is Captain Cassian Andor, requesting permission for takeoff,” he says into his headset, typing in coordinates for Dantooine on the flight computer. If all goes well, they should be on planet in about four hours.

“You’re good to go, Captain Andor. May the Force be with you.”

Takeoff is a little bumpier than he would have liked. He’s not fully used to doing this all by himself; this is the first time he’s piloted a ship in a long time without a partner.

(without kay.)

Once the ship’s safely on autopilot, he climbs down the ladder back into the cargo bay where Halos is sitting. She has a data pad in her hands and is looking over it attentively. Cassian itches to do the same, but he’s only on backup. This is her mission. All he has to do is monitor the situation and fly the getaway shuttle. “We should be arriving at about 0500 hours. Get some rest if you can.”

“Will do, sir,” she say as he grabs his bag off the floor and heads into the crew cabins. But by the way she’s pouring over the mission brief, he doubts that she will. He doesn’t think that he will either, but his leg is aching and it can’t hurt to lay down for an hour or two.

When he goes through his bag to grab his data pad, he finds his blaster underneath. For a second, he’s confused. Hadn’t she taken it–

Then he remembers.

The third time Jyn wakes, it’s blissfully silent except for the thrum of a ship underneath her. It takes her a couple of seconds to remember what happened. This must be the ship Kes managed to steal.

A small groan of pain slips through her lips before she can stop it as she struggles to open her eyes and Kes is at her side in an instant, concern in his eyes. “Don’t move–you’re burning up. The wound on your stomach–”

His face twists and she knows that whatever’s wrong with it can’t be good. Guess the Empire’s medical supplies hadn’t done as much for her as she thought they had. “How. . .bad?”

“It reopened while I was trying to get us out. I set you down and suddenly–" he laughs uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck, "there's blood all over the back of my shirt and the front of yours. I think it's infected, too,” he tells her as he crouches down next to her. He smoothes a piece of sweat soaked hair off of her forehead. The cool of his hand relieves some of the tension threatening to break out of her skull. “There’s not enough medical supplies on board to treat you properly, so I need you to hold on, okay? We’re almost there.”

“Where?”

Kes looks away guiltily. “The Rebellion base. They don’t know that you’re here, only that we need a medical team as soon as we land. I didn’t want them turning you away so, ah, maybe act as trustworthy as possible? It’s technically not allowed for me to do this.”

(while she likes to believe that the rebellion wouldn’t turn her away, she doesn’t know what they think of her going rogue and her father’s crimes against the galaxy. maybe they would, without cassian there to welcome her home.)

“Why–” She tries to ask, but her throat is dry and it turns into a coughing fit. Kes makes soothing noises as he turns her head to the side and rubs her back. She can taste blood in the back of her mouth but she doesn’t know why.

“That’s it,” he murmurs as her coughing subsides. She clings to his voice, trying not to fall back into blackness. “You’re all right, Jyn. Just get some rest. We’ll be there soon.”

“Why. . .” Her voice trails off, but he seems to understand anyway.

“I have a good feeling about you,” Kes replies after a couple seconds of hesitation. “I don’t know why, but you just–you remind me of a friend. You’re nothing alike, but he’s a brother to me. I don’t know, it’s stupid but–”

“S’not stupid,” she slurs, eyes fluttering closed. She thinks she’d like to meet this friend of his, especially one Kes speaks so highly about.

“We’re almost there. Hold on a little longer, okay?”

Jyn sleeps.

As soon as they land on Dantooine, Cassian starts to get a bad feeling.

But he brushes it off, telling himself not to worry. This is a fairly simple mission and Halos seems capable enough. The only reason he’s worried, he thinks, is because of how wrong it had all gone on Scarif.

He sees Halos off, making sure her comms are secure. As she leaves, he lingers in the doorway of the shuttle, watching her silhouette disappear over the horizon and into the nearby city. For some reason, it feels as if he’s never going to see her again.

At that thought, he scoffs and heads back into the ship, climbing up to the cockpit. He knows that he’s being ridiculous.

(a few hours later, when everything’s gone to hell, cassian realizes that he should have listened to his gut.)

#dailyrebelcaptain #rogue one #rebelcaptain #rogue one fanfic #rebelcaptain fanfic #my writing

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some-sort-of-sidewalk-slam · 7 years ago

Text

The Big Wrestle Kingdom 12 Thoughts Post

Some spoiler-free thoughts before we get into specifics under the cut. I thought it was an overall excellent show. This is the second Wrestle Kingdom I've ever watched, and while I thought 11 was better, I still think this is probably going to be the best wrestling show of the year, and I feel sorry for the Royal Rumble having to follow it later this month. I thought the undercard matches, especially the various tag matches, were better than 11's, but the major singles bouts were not quite as good. I did like the end of the main event because it makes me curious and interested for the future, and it was also just a fantastic match to boot. The Junior Heavyweight Championship four-way match was probably my favorite of the night, though the NEVER Openweight Championship and United States Championship came damn close to being my favorites. I wouldn't say there were any bad matches on the card per se, but a couple of them were disappointing for various reasons, which I'll get into in the spoilery section. Considering this was a four hour show (five if you include the pre-show rumble, which I didn't watch), I was entertained the whole way through, which is no small feat. Get New Japan World and watch this show.

I'm going to go through this match-by-match, and give a sort of general summary at the end.

Match 1: Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships- Roppongi 3K vs The Young Bucks

I should note that I'm generally not a fan of the Bucks, but they really impressed me here. Sho and Yo are a team I'm not super familiar with but I saw two of their matches before this and I was on board with them almost immediately. So I was expecting this match to be like... fine. Not great, but not bad. Just fine. But color me surprised, this is probably the best Young Bucks match I've ever seen. They set up a storyline pretty early in the match where one member of each team had a back injury and they would struggle with doing certain moves that require a lot of lifting. It's simple stuff but it's effective nonetheless. The only downside I found is the result. I'm not sure The Young Bucks needed a 7th run with the belts this soon, and I feel like they were wasting some of the momentum that Roppongi 3K had built from their strong debut. I only hope that this is the start of a larger feud that sees Sho and Yoh reclaiming the belts.

Match 2: NEVER Openweight Six-man Tag Team Championship Gauntlet Match

This match was a mess, but a fun one. It's still one my least favorite matches on the card, mostly because it doesn't feel like a lot of care went into the booking. Trent getting the pin was a good for him and a good sign that his transition into the heavyweight division is going to go pretty well, but he didn't actually do a lot of wrestling. I mostly remember him breaking up a lot of pins. It was nice to see War Machine again, especially considering it's rumored that this is their last match with New Japan. Wasn't crazy about them teaming with Elgin, though. Like, visually it makes sense but ever since I read the news that he's a dong in real life, I've gotten real hesitant to watch him. I also don't feel like Suzuki-Gun brought their A-game. Aside from finding Zack Sabre Jr. a boring wrestler, I feel like they should have maybe replaced Iizuka with El Desperado or something to have some more athleticism. Also a side note: in the graphic for Taguchi's team, it said David Finlay was on the team, whereas it was actually Juice Robinson in that spot.

Match 3: Cody vs Kota Ibushi Special Match

I think this is my least favorite match on the card, which kind of hurt because Kota Ibushi is in it. I put this mostly on Cody's shoulders, who has slowly started to become one of the most embarrassing acts on the indies. He left WWE with all the hype in the world, and everyone was so excited to see the creativity and in-ring prowess that he wasn't allowed to show. But then he just sort of became a cog in the Bullet Club machine, who is a shockingly average wrestler, and gets pissy at Roman Reigns on Twitter. Brandi calling everyone who doesn't think she's the most attractive woman in wrestling “marks” while on the way to the ring really set the scene for this slightly mediocre match with an admittedly impressive Cross Rhodes off the apron onto the floor. If you can't have a good match with Kota frigging Ibushi at goddamn Wrestle Kingdom, you might not be as good as you say you are, Cody.

Match 4: IWGP Tag Team Championship- Killer Elite Squad vs EVIL and SANADA

I wasn't super hot for this match in the beginning. Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith Jr. are both really big dudes who are excellent at being dominant powerhouses, which was definitely the case in this match. I do admit to being slightly annoyed at how long SANADA spent on his back while Archer and Davey Boy kicked the hell out of him. SANADA and EVIL's strengths are sudden explosions of athleticism, which was good counter to KES's slow style. SANADA and EVIL didn't get to do as much as I would have liked in this match, but they got some great moments to shine, and I think putting the title on them was a good move.

Match 5: NEVER Openweight Championship Hair vs Hair Match- Minoru Suzuki vs Hirooki Goto

This match was rad from start to finish. There wasn't a lot of flashy stuff in it, but flashy is not the strong suit of either of these guys. This was an old-fashioned, no-nonsense fight. Minoru Suzuki looked like the monster he is, coming out of most exchanges on top. But slowly but surely, Goto managed to make comeback after comeback. It's a pretty simple story of an underdog overcoming a powerful adversary, but as I said before, simple storytelling works. The whole match was stiff and powerful, as expected, and they told a hell of a story through the match. It built to an excellent crescendo of Goto hitting a backwards and then a proper GTR for a well-earned victory. I also very much enjoyed the moment where Suzuki walked away from his faction to shave his own hair. It's a character-defining moment that shows that even sadistic heels like Minoru Suzuki still have a sense of honor.

Match 6: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Four-Way Match- Marty Scurl vs Will Ospreay vs KUSHIDA vs Hiromu Takahashi

This is probably my favorite match of the night. It was fast-paced, exciting, full of storytelling, and had some frankly ridiculous spots. I loved watching the storylines between KUSHIDA and Hiromu, Ospreay and Scurl, and even Ospreay and Kushida, all woven through this match, with a sprinkling of excellently devious heel tactics from Scurl. Seeing what he's capable of, I refuse to believe that Will Ospreay is a human being. He has to be some sort of human/cat hybrid or something. Seeing KUSHIDA incorporate some of Hiromu's moves into his own is a great callback to their feud. Probably my favorite moment was the brief unspoken alliance between Ospreay and Scurl. I think I would have preferred Scurl to retain here, but I would have been 100% fine with anyone winning this match, and I think this way Opsreay and Scurl can continue to have a one-on-one feud, which is always exciting.

Match 7: IWGP Intercontinental Championship- Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Switchblade Jay White

I missed the build to this match but the video package did a decent job explaining the kayfabe reason for this match. What I can't understand is the out-of-kayfabe reason for it. His character is supposed to be an assassin of some kind? Or at least some sort of violent dude with a knife fetish. I do like that he's not part of any factions. It helps sell the lone wolf thing he's got going on. But once he takes off the leather coat and knife necklace, he just sort of looks like a scrawny dweeb. He just doesn't have the experience to carry a big feud like this yet. They want to make Jay White a big deal right off the bat by putting him up against Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom but I had a really hard time believing it. He's a pretty good in-ring worker, and he had some pretty good smack-talk in the ring, but this was not a Wrestle Kingdom-worthy performance.

Match 8: IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match- Kenny Omega vs Chris Jericho

This was probably the biggest draw for most of us Western fans. To see Chris Jericho in a New Japan Pro Wrestling ring, and wrestling one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, was something we all wanted to see. And... I wish I liked it more than I did. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was very good, and the biggest reason that I wasn't a fan of it wasn't the fault of the performers or the match. I'm just generally not a fan of weapons and hardcore brawls, which the first part of this match definitely was. I understand that it was an important part of the match's story that needed to happen. It's Jericho's American brawling style contrasted with the second half of the match, which was done in Omega's cleaner Japanese style. Despite the stuff I didn't like about it, it was still a phenomenal match that told an awesome story.

Match 9: IWGP Heavyweight Championship- Kazuchika Okada vs Tetsuya Naito

The one for all the marbles. This match had a lot to live up to, having to not only follow last year's 6-star main event, but also the four-year build of the Tetsuya Naito storyline development. This one was a conflicting one. First thing's first: it was not better than last year's main event, but that was going to be hard to top so I'm not holding that against it. The match was excellent in its own right. I watched it in stunned silence as it built to its crescendo, watch two of the best wrestlers in the world go at each other. But the finish was conflicting. On one hand, it felt like it made narrative sense for Naito to finally win the belt at Wrestle Kingdom, as a glorious payoff for a four-year storyline, and having Okada retain instead feels kind of like wasted potential. On the other hand, the impression I get from the promo Okada gave after the match, and the way Naito smiled as he walked away from the match is that this story is not over. I, personally, thought the ending was fine. If nothing else, it intrigued me for what's coming next.

Wrap up

Wrestle Kingdom 12 was a spectacular show. It had some hiccups, as all wrestling shows generally do. I enjoyed 11 more because I liked its last three matches better. But 12 had better undercard matches, and I understood more of the stories going into it because I've actually been watching some of the stuff leading up to it. If nothing else, this confirms to me without a doubt that New Japan is the best wrestling in the world. The match quality is so high, the stories so effectively told, even in a language that I don't speak. Pro wrestling is so goddamn cool, and New Japan is the best place to watch it. If there was anything you wanted to convince you, let this be it. Start watching New Japan Pro Wrestling. It's so worth your time.

#NJPW #njpwworld #new japan pro wrestling #wrestle kingdom 12 #wk12 #pro wrestling

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tellywoodtrash · 7 years ago

Text

ishqbaaz 26.09.17 lb

“shaadi na ho gayi mahabharat ho gaya.”

bloody hell, good someone recognizes. this shit’s been going on for like.................. years.

wow anika, utaaavli much? seedha elvis pose!

waise good to see she’s anxious to get laid as well.

LMAO EVERYONE’S REACTIONS:

omki as usual, is the bestest. i love him so much.

lol yeah sure anika. hella poor coverup job.

ugh these two fuckers. cut out the fucking cute and GIVE ME THARAK.

ok how many things today? ring ceremony, mehendi... matlab, 3 mahino se is bloody shaadi ko kheenche jaa rahe ho and now everything’s going to happen in one fucking day? fuck you ppl.

OMFG ZAAAAAAAAAKIRR KHAN. I LOVEEEEEEEEEE HIMMMMMMMMM. HE’S ONE OF THE FUCKING BEST STAND UP COMEDIANS INDIA HAS.

i’ve seen him live as well (his new haq se single tour), and he was absolute fire. he did the entire two hours without even a pause for water!

some of my favt bits by him (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) it’s a little heavy on indori + delhi hindi slang, but if you’re fluent, you’ll love it.

haaaaye, mere sakht launde ke kya din aa gaye, ke is chutiya show mein usse cameo karna pad raha hai. laanat ho tumpe star plus. laanat.

pls, shivaay would never be friends with zakir. ever. zakir’s whole schtick is based on his middle class-ness and self deprecation about the chutiyaapa of life when middle class and average and not model-esque looking. now anika and zakir being friends, i can see. they really should have had him be HER friend.

ok this shit is hella embarrassing for ZAKIR, so imma fwd.

anika has fucking loooooooost it.

invisible gauri is in charge of sangeet. (get well soon shrenu! i miss your face already, my little button!)

ohhhhhhhh boy, pinky.

her complaints be fully legit though.

wow, even om is trying to shush shivaay.

dadi has fully forgiven pinky. even after suspecting her to do khulaasa of the oh so dangerous raaz and what not. idgi.

anika is freaking out. like why though? they’ve gone through this wedding shit a million times. like... just get it over with, sis.

the real crisis: “main pehnoongi kya??????????”

hubs is here to calm her down.

“AAPKA BREATHING GAYA TEL LENE. DO DIN MEIN SHAADI HAI, PEHENE KE LIYE KAPDE NAHI HAI, BREATHING THODI NA PEHNOONGI!?!?!?”

lolllllllll

khudi ke choice ko beautiful keh raha hai. usse bhi toh dikha. she’s the one who has to wear the damn thing her whole life.

ouffffffff what is this stupid immature billu and bandariya fight????

ok that was a little uncalled for, shivaay.

but i mean.... ok. i woulda done the same. chick was getting OUTTA CONTROL.

aaaaaaand..... every action has an equal and opposite reaction, so....

“breathe shivaay. JUST BREAAAAAAATHE!” lmaooooo

time for some seski romancinggggggg.

uh huh honey. get itttttttttt.

sealed with a kiss!

that ring is too big and so un-anika-like though.

whut. where the fuck did she get a ring from tho????

and how did she conjure that shit up like a fucking magician?

billu looks like he might cry. i’m loving the whole reversal of the proposal trope!

yo man my girl got some maaaaaaaaaaaad moves, and some hella alluring “let’s sex” eyes. billu can’t even handle it. he’s a weepy, gooey mess.

ouff billu why would you ask for one more kiss ON THE HAND? you and your damn hand fetish.

ok my damn heart is bursting from feelz. *weeping* my babies. my beaaaaauuuutiful babies. so happy and peaceful (in the moment. let’s see how long it lasts.)

ocd perfectionist billu is being a pain in the ass for the vendors. ek toh last se bhi last minute order, upar se nakhre hazaar. in the words of zakir, hatt behenchod...

lol shivaaaay has a phobia of the words “thank you” now. he hears it and instant pavlovian response; thinks he’s fucked up and needs to start grovelling.

lmao “(w)ow likhne nahi hote shivaay, wow ko mehsoooos kiya jaata hai!”

uh, you’re hindus. “vows” have been prewritten for you for thousands of years. you really don’t need to khapaaofy your sar over it? awaiiii ke chonchle during last minute wedding.

HE’S WRITTEN HIS VOWS ALREADY. WHAT A NERD.

ew what is this excited to share in front of whole family waali feeling tho? who are these ppl who like to exhibit their most private feelings like this? mera bas chale toh there’d be no one at my wedding other than the groom and myself. i don’t need ppl witnessing this nonsense.

“are you staring at my lips?”

lmaoooooooooo him correcting her from offscreen.

what the fuck even is this rudra scene???? like.... what even is this fastforwarding of their plot???? just yest they were in the guest house almost making out???

LMAO ANIKA ADALAT MEIN OATH LE RAHI HO KYA???

ok the first vow itself is setting her up for failure. girl you know you’re gonna call him baaghad billa before the end of the day even.

dude, just steal his vows.

EEEEEEEEEEEEE SAHILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

lolllll i knewwww it. she’s making sahil steal shivaay’s vows.

WHAT FUCKING CONNECTION RUDRA

GOD BHAVYA WHY THE FUCK IS HE IN THE HOUSE RUINING YOUR BIG DAY

there’s not even dosti between you two. he’s a whiny little pissbaby who’s not even worth befriending. coz he doesn’t get how men and women can be friends.

yup. he’s manhandling her. great.

AND SLUT SHAMING HER. OMFG RUDRAAAAAAAAAAAAA YOU’RE THE ABSOLUTE FUCKING WORST

that’s 3 outta 3 oBros slut shaming their future wives. great job, gulneet! keep it up!!!!

BHAVYA FUCKING HELL GET HIM FUCKING ARRESTED. GOD YOU DESERVE SO MUCH BETTER GIRL; PLEASE, LOVE YOURSELF, MANAV IS SUCH A NICE GUY PLEASE JUST MARRY HIM

lol this tiny munchkin thief.

aaaaaaaaaaaaand shivaay’s here.

LMAO HE KNEW SHE’D TRY TO STEAL THE VOWS

omfg the vows are so damn extra, all tied up in ribbon and shit wtf

ok i know this kinda comedy is laaaaaaame, but I FUCKING LOVE IT. also, it was nice to see shivaay in shark singh oberoi mode after a long long time.

ohhhhhhhhh boy, shivaay gonna fuck her over.

LMAO HIS LETTER TO HER:

“wow anika. sorry, nakalchi bandariya. i cannot believe tumne apne chote bhai ko chori karne ke liye bheja, you cheater. apne vows khud likho, and remember it’s VOWS. with a V.”

sahil sach mein bohut ekta kapoor waale serials dekhne laga hai.

“aapki help ki chakkar mein meriiii integrityyyyyy pe question mark lag gaya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

lmaooooo his dangal waali impression.

“behen ki shaadi hai, bhai ko aur bhi bohut kaam hote hai, CHORI KE ALAAWA!!!!”

lmaooooooooo omg i love sahil so much. petition to have him replace rudra as the youngest oBro, coz honestly i want to strangle rudra with my bare hands rn.

daaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn omki, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind, OH OMKI!!!!! OH OMKI!!!!!!!!!!!!

omki be all angsty at wife telling him to gtfo. good.

god i’m so sad we won’t get angsty rikara romance during shaadi ki rasmein. i was soooo looking fwd to it.

rudra fuck you to fuckkkkkkkkk.

yes, for fucks sake make your utara hua thopdas better coz SO HELP ME GOD I WON’T LET YOU FUCKERS AND YOUR INSENSITIVITY RUIN THE BIG DAY OF THE ONE OBRO WHO ISN’T COMPLETELY ABOMINABLE RIGHT NOW.

this weird angst is soooooooo killing my buzz. could you assholes just gtfo???? i really don’t care about your issues that you’ve brought upon yourself.

holy shit shivKara look so damn hot in black. i wanna spread them on toast and just nommmmmmmm.

can’t even look at rudra with how much i hate him today.

pinky looks nice. unhappy af, but nice.

.... why are shakti and tej so awkwardly seated?

ok, anika’s outfit... isn’t BAD... but isn’t GREAT either. but my girl so pretty, she looks fire anyway.

i’m really missing more of a younger female presence in this episode, like gauri and bhavya and sumo.

(lol prinku who???? noone gives a shit. gauri has fully replaced prinku as the baby sister of choice. “sabse choti!!!!!!!!” shivaay yelled yesterday. like literally no one gives one flying fuck about stupid prinku who only added nothing but misery to their lives, as opposed to gauri who adds magic and happiness and sunshine and glitter.)

heart eyes motherfucker. “wow” is right.

i have the same question as shivaay: tote ki yaadaasht achchi hoti hai????

she’s gonna fly by the seat of her lehenga and fuck you upppppp billu.

waise, why are the vows being read on the mehendi day, instead of the shaadi????

is baar mehendi mein kaunsa corrosive liquid hoga?

aaaaand pinky’s going awff.

shivaay’s wielding phone of tadi. and is fucking up whoever’s on the other end.

“sab kuch pefect chahiye toh khud karna chahiyeee” bada dialogue maar raha tha. why didn’t you go out and get the mehendi yourself then????

bike pe kaunnnnn hai? is it that new dude?

lmao mehendi ka wait being made so overdramatic. sit your ass down and wait, loser.

is new dude bringing the mehendi?????

THIS FUCKER JUST RODE THE BIKE RIGHT INTO THEIR LIVING ROOM. LIKE.... HE HAS TO BE AN OBEROI FOR SURE. SUCH EXTRA CAN ONLY BE IN THEIR GENES.

what the fuck were security even doing when someone RODE A BIKE INTO THE HOUSE??????

digging his leather jacket/skinny tie combo though.

whoever he is, he cute af. can we replace rudra with HIM?

“you’re the most beautiful, kind, wonderfully weird girl i know... tumhare saath bitaaya hua har lamha is like an adventure, and i just wanna be with you forever.”

well damn. those ARE some perfect vows.

#ishqbaaz #ishqbaaaz #ib episode liveblogs #episode liveblogs #260917 ib lb

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polysandershell · 7 years ago

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Make Note (Sharpies) Part 2

Me? Late? hahaaa, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m really sorry this took like a month and I won’t promise the next chapter will be out quickly, but it has arrived!!!

Part 1

Tag List: @prinxietyhell @prplzorua @mira-jadeamethyst @the-short-reader-girl @cosmic-melodies @theanxofthethomas @dan-yuna @skylions-den @thebaagelboy @goshdarndingdang @ec-sanderssides @thesarcasticweirdo127 Want on, or off the tag list? Let me know!

Pairings: none, eventual Poly/Lamp Sanders

Summary: Anxiety writes on himself in sharpies in order to cope with the problems he has. He’s been doing this for years, using colors to represent each of the others and writing fake notes from them all. What happens when the others notice?

Chapter Warnings: Angst (we’re slowly climbing out of the angst pit tho), Panic Attack, Self Hate. Anything need tagged? Please let me know!

You just had to freak out, didn’t you! Anxiety’s mind yelled at him. They were accepting you and you just break a bowl and leave! And over what? Some kind notes they wrote you? You really are an idiot. After retreating to his room Anxiety had collapsed into his bed and curled into a ball of self-loathing, just letting his angry thoughts wash over him. Occasionally, he would glance at his arms and read what was written there; this would only bring more tears.

I am glad we get to exist together. -Logan

From this moment on, I vow to protect you! I love having you around! ~Roman

We all love you kiddo <3 ~ Patton

I enjoy having you as my side. Thanks for protecting me. ~Thomas

Some part of Anxiety had already known they had seen his arms and subsequently seen the notes on them, but this just made it much more real. Each note was in the proper color for each of them. Logan in dark blue, Patton in light blue, Roman in red, and Thomas in purple. Patton had even added a <3 (he didn’t draw a heart, he actually made a “less than” symbol and a 3).

Suddenly there was a knock on his door. No no no nononono. “Kiddo? Do you wanna talk about it? No one’s upset about the bowl if that’s what this is about.” Frick! Of course, it was Pat.

When Anxiety didn’t respond (how could he with the way he was choking on tears and the air was getting hard to breathe) he thought Pat would just leave, but that wasn’t the case. “Anxiety, buddy. If you can hear me, but can’t talk can you bang on the wall once for me?”

That was something Anxiety could manage. He knocked on the wall loud enough he knew Pat could hear him. “Okay, buddy. Can I come in? One knock for yes, two for no,” Came the response from outside the door. Anxiety thought for a moment. Would he be okay letting Patton in? He knew from experience that things could definitely get worse from here, but could they also get better?

Slowly, he gave a single knock.

Morality gently closed the door behind him when he entered then slowly approached Anxiety, sitting at the foot of his bed. Patton gently laid his hand on Anxiety’s back, testing his limits without speaking. When he received no response he began rubbing soothing circles into the others back and speaking quiet words of comfort.

After what seemed like forever, Anxiety was able to begin calming down. His tears were slowing and he was able to catch his breath finally. When Morality noticed that he had calmed down some he calmly asked “Can you tell me what this was about, buddy?” While still rubbing the younger's back.

Anxiety took in a deep breath. “I-I-... W-why--?” He choked out.

“Why what, Anx? I wanna help, but I need to know what you need” Morality asked gently.

Anxiety pulls into himself a bit, before tugging up his sleeves and shoving his arms towards Morality. “Wh--why?” he asked.

Softly, Patton took Anxiety’s arms and ran a thumb over the ink. “We did it because we care about you Anx. We haven’t been the best to you in the past, but we’re going to change that. I'm sorry it took us so long to realize what we were doing."

Anxiety was crying again and threw himself into Morality, giving him a hug. Patton immediately hugged back and began rubbing his back again. "Maybe this would be something better discussed with the others. I know that's going to make you nervous Anx, but everyone needs to be able to give their input on this. We all wrote our own comments."

Anxiety sniffled and took a deep breath, trying to calm his shaking. "I-I can't. Everyone's gonna be upset. I messed up again. Even when I'm trying to do something right I just-- I can't. I messed up and I'm always gonna mess up. I don't blame you, or any of the others for pushing me away. I deserved it."

"No Anx you didn't. All of us want the chance to apologize and make it up to you. Do you think you can try to give that to us?" Patton asked, trying to make Anxiety understand. He may not be the wordsmith that Logan was, but he knew how to comfort people. It was kinda a part of his job.

Anxiety curled closer to Patton, wanting desperately for him to be telling the truth, for this not to be some big scheme for them to bring him up so they could tear him down farther than normal. He didn't think he could handle it if they did that. He probably wouldn't be able to carry on anymore like he has been doing. "I-- I'll go, but... But you have to promise me this isn't just a big joke. If it's a joke, just... just leave me here. Please. I know you all probably hate me, but I won't be able to handle this being a joke."

Morality’s heart broke a bit at that, they had hurt him so badly he thought their kindness was a joke, then said, "This isn't a joke, Anx. That would be cruel to do to you. We don't hate you and we really are sorry. I'm sorry we made you feel this way. I’m sorry we did this to you" He pulled back slightly so he could look Anxiety in the eye. "Thank you for giving us a chance. I know it's gonna take time, but I really want to make up for all the stuff we've said and done to hurt you."

Anxiety looked down, breaking eye-contact with Morality, and took a deep breath. "Let's just... Let's just go."

~*~*~

About an hour after Morality had gone after Anxiety, the other three were starting to get restless. The first thing to break the silence between the three was Logan and Roman's phones going off at the same time. They had each received the same message from Patton.

He panicked about the sharpie, be prepared to talk about it. We'll be back as soon as he has calmed down enough. ~Mo

"I thought he would be happy about the messages," Roman said after they had informed Thomas about the new information.

"I believe it was less that he was unhappy about them and more that he wasn't expecting them. Patton did say that he panicked about it, not that it upset him," Logan responded.

~*~*~

After another half hour, Patton appeared with Anxiety clinging to his side like a lifeline. The two of them almost looked cute together except for the fact Anxiety appeared terrified to be in front of the other Logan, Roman, and Thomas. Nobody dared speak until Morality had gotten himself and Anx settled into the couch. Even once they had, no one had any idea how to start it.

“I think,” Patton spoke up, “We should all start with apologizing. So, I really truly am sorry Anxiety. For everything.”

“I will go next,” Logan said adjusting how glasses, “ Anxiety, despite us making some strides towards friendship recently, I have treated you unfairly. Both recently and before. For this, I must apologize.”

Anxiety fidgeted, unsure if he was supposed to respond. Luckily, he was stopped from overthinking it by Roman, who cleared his throat. “Anxiety, the way I have treated you in the past has been undeniably, un-prince-like. I do not expect you to believe me when I say this, nor do I expect to be forgiven, but I truly am sorry for everything I have done to you. From now on I vow to protect you from harm, rather than being the one to inflict it.”

The darker facet was starting to get choked up. He was tired of crying already, but he couldn’t help it. Everything seemed unreal to him. The others apologizing to him? Why would they have any reason to feel sorry, he knew why they hated him? Did they- was there really a chance that they didn’t hate them?

Thomas was the next, and last of the four to speak. “I know I haven’t been the best to you Anxiety. I know you’re only doing your job and there is no reason for us to gang up on you for that. It’s not your fault. Thank you for keeping me safe. I’m sorry for always making you the bad guy. You aren’t and you really don’t deserve to be attacked for it.”

And that broke the dam. Tears slipped from Anxiety’s eyes and he curled into Patton’s side as he tried, and failed to hold them back. Patton instinctively wrapped an arm around Anx, rubbing his shoulder soothingly. Roman from his other side reached out and carefully placed a hand on the other sides leg, in an attempt to try to comfort him.

“Roman was absolutely correct Anxiety,” Logan said. “We do not expect to you to believe us, after all, there is no evidence to show what we have repented. We do plan to change though, and hopefully prove to you that we are being completely serious.”

“Even if Logan is the only one who wears a necktie,” Patton added jokingly. That earned a chuckle from everyone and even got a slight smile from Anx, even if no one could see it.

They all sat in silence for a bit, seemingly waiting for something until someone broke it again. Surprisingly this someone was Anxiety. “I-I’m s-sorry for cr-crying, I just... I’m st-ill so sur-surprised that this is hap-happening.”

“Kiddo, you don’t have to apologize for showing emotions. In fact, I’m proud of you that you are,” Morality said.

“I-I know it’s just,” Anxiety said, “F-for the long-est time the only th-thing ke-eping me g-oing was this,” he gestures to his own arms. “It-it was the on-only thing giving me h-hope, ev-even if i-it was artificial.”

“It doesn’t have to be artificial anymore Anx. You did good on your own for this long, but you don’t have to be alone anymore,” Roman said giving a light squeeze.

“As we have already shown, we are more than willing to take over writing your messages. If you would like that is,” Logan said.

“I-,” Anxiety started before taking a deep breath and looking to the others. “I would like that. More than I would care to say.

He was going to put his last shred of hope out there. The most he could wish for now, was that they didn’t crush it. Because living without hope makes you a shell. And is that really living?

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just-shaladin-things · 7 years ago

Note

(1/4) confession: i hate l@nce. hate him. so much. he's such an asshole! like i get the writers are going for 'wannabe casanova' but what they've got is a boy that only is insta 'nice' to hot women (in the mermaid episode he was like :/ to the squid head girl until she took it off and was totes hot at which point he immediately did a 180 to ;D), hits on literally everything resembling female, and doesn't take no for an answer. like, a//ura made it pretty clear she's not interested in L@nce.

(2/4) But he keeps flirting with her at very bad moments, despite her being annoyed with it, and tries to police her actions at one point??? (when her at Ke!th run off together he flips shit on her and tries to do an interrogation if anything happened like thats any of his fucking business). Literally the only girls he’s not weird about is P1dge and his mother. It’s fucked him over so many times! N!ma and the mermaids both should have been massive red flags, but he never changes!(¾) Not once does he connect the dots and think hmm maybe there’s a connection -NEVERMIND HOT GIRL. He’s completely oblivious from moral and logical standpoints. I hate it and I hate him. No amount of homesickness and insecurity is gonna make him likeable until he pulls his head out of his ass. Or at least gets called out by someone instead of being told ‘not now’ mid emergency. He doesn’t give a shit about them! That one mermaid girl he was hitting on, she died! Mid episode!(4/4) And L@nce didn’t even ask hey, where did she vanish too is she okay? He didn’t give a single fuck about the missing girl he’d been hitting on literally a day ago, he was too busy with the NEW pretty mermaid girl and the hot mermaid queen! I hate him, I hate how the writers handle him, and he needs to get called the fuck out by someone soon. Preferably A//ura. Or P!dge. Or Sh!ro. Thank you for hearing of my rage.

ok i was about to go to sleep but since its the l@nce ask i decided to wait a bit, because uhhh, welp he’s important to me and he’s probably the only reason why i still watch this show lfdkjgkf im going to try and be as, well, as objective and logical as i can so please bear with me also im sorry i cant really salt with you here. like, i partially salt with you but not entirely since, you know, l@nce stan thing and all that. okay anyway, here we go and it probs gonna be long so im really, really sorry or something. also also before i Really start i want to thank hd, jo and ciel bcos brainstorming with them was a top notch way to figure out what i want to say fldkgj

im gonna start with the flirting thing first in general, then move to @llura, then to other instances you brought up then to lance himself, just so we have some outline here okay? okay. so here i go:

the flirting thingy - i get why it bugs you and it bugs me too, especially with @llura. writers definitely overuse it and use it as a comedic device (not working but shhh). on the other side, aside from @llura (which im going to talk about more in a sec, pls be patient with me, pls) girls usually don’t react negatively to it? pl@xum literally kissed him on the cheek, aliens at the mall and on that first planet in s3 laughed and generally it seemed to be rather innocent if annoying because of how often it was portrayed. the flirting alone isn’t really bad, considering his insecurities and strive for attention its not surprising that he does it and its never a serious thing. and most of the team reacts with just groaning and rolling their eyes, no one ever told him, 100% seriously and definitely, to stop. the thing is, writers portray his flirting in a really shitty way (like most things, jesus christ) 90% of the time??? which brings us to the next point here:

@llura or rather how her and l@nces relationship was portrayed so far. now theres no denying it that the part where he keeps on flirting with her and she keeps turning him down and so on is, well, pure shit and we all want (or rather wanted it considering how he dropped the act in s3) it to stop. while it doesnt make it okay, its still important to note that he never really seems to be 100% serious with his pick up lines and it looks like he uses it as a way to lighten up the mood (cue him using them in, well, not really appropriate moments). and while we’re at it, lance hardly ever opposed to any of her orders (aside from the time when he and hunk argued with the rest of the team about coming back home but, like, can you really blame them for that?). also the thing that you brought up, him flipping his shit out when she left with keith was completely justified??? she and k/eith literally left without any notice??? when they were constantly followed by galra and there was a war going on???? of course he was worried out of his mind, who wouldnt! and when she was captured by the gala he was one of the people who wanted to go and save her. like, you cant really say he doesnt give a shit about her. its further proved by how he acted in s3? he completely dropped his flirting with her, never acted angry when she was chosen to be the blue paladin, he even said he was happy that it was her specifically! when sh!ro came back he never asked @llura to step down either, he thought she was better suited to do it than him he constantly checked if she was feeling alright in blue and we could see how much their relationship improved in this season. i would go as far as to say that they actually became a p good friends.

now, onto the other instances you mentioned:

pl@xum - here its kinda tricky tbh, on one side, yeah, its not really okay that he started to be all over the moon for her after she took of the squid, on the other hand he knew her for, like, a day at best?? its not really enough time to fall in love with personality itself (especially considering how much happened during that time?) and you cant really tell that being attracted by someones good looks is something bad? it was portrayed in shitty way but then again, its more of writers fault. and while we’re at it, even if he wasnt interested in her romantically, he never disrespected her??? he took her seriously after she and her group explained what they did and why they did it and helped her free her planet.

fl/rona - okay i seriously dont know why you brought up this? he had maybe one convo with her and during it or right after he was literally drugged with poisoned alien food, then he got kidnapped, stung by a squid and had to fight and save the entire kingdom. he probably thought she was in the palace or somewhere in their village? with so much happening of course it could slip his mind.

ny/a - well, im not really sure how to approach this one but im gonna try. yes, l/nce going after her was reckless and not his best moment but also?? literally everyone on the team except for h/nk seemed to trust them? and n/ma not only reciprocated/pretended to reciprocate but also played at his insecurities (aka pulling the “if you wont then im sure k/th aka the boy that you consider ur rival aka the boy that is one of the sources of ur insecurities will take me to his lion). and lance maybe has a strategical mind and works good on missions and in the heat of a moment but? he’s also an insecure teenager and teens tend to do reckless things when they want to impress someone. plus, lance generally seems to be rather trusting? hes not as guarded as, lets say, k/eith, hes thrives on social interaction and likes meeting new people. you can see it in the way he wanted to hang out with p/idge in the garrison even though she probs always turned him and h/nk down or how he was able to confide in coran despite knowing him for week at best or in how quick he was to play around and take selfies with complete strangers from the planet he just helped save in s3 and how well he worked with blade of m/rmora in same ep. hes quick to trust and become friends, which makes him an easy target for people like n/ma but overall isnt really a bad trait.

all in all, lance is a very, very complex character and cant really be judged only basing on his flirting. hes much more than that. and while i understand where you’re coming from i cant really agree with you fully. the way his flirting is portrayed is shitty but hes not a bad person at all.

sorry its so long btw, im just,,, kinda passionate dl

#mod riem #just anon things #answerstetique #me: i have to get up early so i better go to sleep now #also me: writes an entire meta about my fav at midnight

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lonelypond · 8 years ago

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

Love Live, main pairing NicoMaki, 10.4K

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

DISTRACTING

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

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

N: Does Maki miss Nico (♡ >ω< ♡)

M: NO

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

M: I’m busy

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

N: But cute (◕ᴥ◕)

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

M: Are you watching me?

N: (ʃƪ¬‿¬)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOT MODEL BEHAVIOR

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

“Maki-chan?” Hanayo squeaked out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh no.”

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

“How?”

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

Maki blushed and shook her head.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What is it, Cocoa?”

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

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

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

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

M: I’m sorry, Nico-chan (´･_･`)

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

M: ﾍ(･_|

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

N: ( p_q)

The phone went off. Nico took the call.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maki smiled. Then there was another.

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

Maki started to type before Nico interrupted.

N: Except Maki-chan (✿ ♥‿♥)

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

I NEED YOUR ATTENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maki shrugged.

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

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

“Sure.”

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

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

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

“R … really?”

ORCHESTRAL MANEUVERS IN THE AFTERNOON

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

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

“What?”

“Did you get the homework?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THREE STRIKES …

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

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

“Are you chilly, Nico-chan?”

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

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

“N … Ni ...”

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

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

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

Maki shook her head.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OOPS

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

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

“Thanks, Mama!”

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

“Nico-chan?” Maki sounded timid.

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

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

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

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

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

Cocoro nodded, “I know.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JUST SKIP INTERMISSION, MAKI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No serious North American contenders though, huh?”

Maki shrugged.

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

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

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

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

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

“Your friend is leaving.”

“W … what.”

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

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

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

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

“But her seat’s not anywhere …”

“Good night, Maki.” That was a snarl.

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

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

“What’s the matter, Nico-chan?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nico waited, foot tapping.

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

“And …”

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

“And …”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Call your driver.”

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

POSTLUDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maki’s grin widened, and she started typing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Definitely gremlin.”

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

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

“Or sharp like Maki.” Nico winked.

NOT ABOUT NICO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YAWN

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

“Maki-chan?”

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

“Nico-chan?”

“Sorry. What’s the matter?”

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

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

“M … maybe …”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nico chuckled. “That was funny.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes, Maki?”

“I’m glad we’re a team.”

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

A pause. “Okay.”

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

“Sakura Sakura …”

TODOKETE

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

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

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

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

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

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

M: Looks tasty (゜￢゜)

N: (♡´艸`)

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

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

M: ┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘

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

M: ( ⁰д⁰)

N: Maki-chan is weird ༽つ۞﹏۞༼つ

M: But cute (▼∀▼)

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

M: Make me breakfast sometime …

N: (ʘ言ʘ╬)

M: What?

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

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

M: No, I didn’t mean ...

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

M: (￣□￣) Oh

M: I’ll see you later (つ▀¯▀)つ

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

M: d(>_･ )

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

The Nico-tone.

Nico had sent a picture of a row of snowmen.

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

<(￣︶￣)>

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

M: They are cute.

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

M: ノ～ ♡

N: Nico feels warmer already （　´∀｀）

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

“We did it, Maki-chan!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Wow.” Nico whistled.

Maki nodded.

“That was awesome.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Nico …”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BREAKFAST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maki shrugged. “There might be instant somewhere.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No.”

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

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

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

Nico stood, Maki half propped on her back.

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

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

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

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

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