Friendship Magic
Nishikino Maki had her camera bag slung over her back, head full of the surf cresting over her lens, clothes damp from waves and spray. She’s spent the morning on the beach, trying not to be nervous about tonight’s party, but it was now time for a quick soak to warm up before the rest of Muse arrived for this year’s Halloween shenanigans. Even Honoka had managed to fit it into her schedule this year.
Quick check first though to see what her wife was up to. Sounded like cooking things. Maki felt warmer already but when she rounded the corner, the smell was chocolate.
“Nico-chan....”
Nico looked over her shoulder, “Don’t pout, pretty girl. Nico already made your cider.” Nico pointed a spoon at a red plaid Thermos on the table. “Better dry off first.”
Maki shivered dramatically, “Too cold.”
“All right, but don’t drip on too many of Nico’s things.”
“They’re our things.”
Nico rolled her eyes.
“How many gallons of hot chocolate are you making for Eli?” Maki poured out the warm, cinnamony cider, inhaling the warmth.
“Ha! Nozomi texted ahead to say Eli’s trying to cut back so Nico doubled the recipe. Rin’s been sending texts all day about s’mores dipped in hot chocolate.”
“I don’t believe that.” Maki chuckled, “Actual Rin would be demanding chocolate ramen.”
Nico’s expressive face contorted, “That sounds disgusting.”
Maki sighed, “And yet once upon a time, Hanayo decided to surprise Rin with it for Valentine’s Day.”
Nico turned, “Home cooked or restaurant.”
“After I threw up Hanayo’s first effort, I paid Mama’s favorite chocolatier to develop a version.” Maki facetabled, “Then they sold it to restaurants and it became a trend for two years. Rin was ecstatic.”
“Your friends are odd.”
“Says the person whose best friend went into entertainment law because her wife is a por…”
“They’re art films, Maki, we say Nozomi makes art films.”
“If any children are around, we say nothing.”
Nico laughed. “Can you imagine us being parents in high school?”
Maki sat up, very serious, amethyst eyes narrowed, “I did.”
Nico raised an eyebrow, “You were very serious about Nico.”
“About Nico-chan and music. And friendship.” Maki paused, eyes less bright. ”I wouldn’t be here without Honoka and Rin and Hanayo.” Sadder tones, “They were my friends no matter what mood I was in. I didn’t know that could happen.”
Nico turned off the burner. She could make more chocolate. She’d already stocked the pantry for Christmas. More urgent now was her wife.
Nico slid her arms around Maki’s shoulder, voice cheery. “You’re amazing, Maki-chan. You’ve always been. We were all lucky you decided to be our friend, Nico the most. Maki is honest and silly and kind and hard working and thoughtful.”
“Not cute? Or sexy? Or a gorgeous temper bomb?” Head tilted back, Maki smirked at Nico, eyes sparkling.
“Hey!” Nico kissed Maki’s cheek, “Nico is being deep here. It’s not just about the pretty.”
“But mostly.”
Nico wrestled Maki to the side, “Go hop in the bath. Your brain is frozen.”
Maki stood, her hands on Nico’s waist, “You know if we’re in the bath together, Nozomi shows up two hours early with a camera.”
Nico made a grumbling noise.
“I love you, Nico-chan.” Maki pulled Nico into a crushing hug, glad to be expecting a houseful of beloved friends, but happier even to share that with the person who meant the most to her.
Maki bounded off to the bath, mood now playful, Nico watching her thoughtfully, remembering the sullen, lonely redhead who’d been impossible to ignore storming through the halls of Otonokizaka. Friendship really was magic.
Nico had a couple hours. She could invent a chocolate ramen dessert.