Chapter Text
“Are sure you’ll be okay??” “We’re more than happy to drive you both home.”
“Haha, it’s okay! The car’s full and the walk isn’t that long anyway, we’re good! Thanks for asking though, Tsugu-chin, Sayo-san!”
Rinko mumbles sleepily and snuggles towards the source of warmth, which shakes with mirth at her movement. A familiar chuckle tickles her senses, prompting her to smile in contentment. Perhaps she has been too happy at the gathering, to see so many familiar faces and catching up with good friends, for she definitely drank more than she could handle. Sure, she is the best one at handling her liquor within Roselia, but even she could not keep up with Kasumi and Kokoro’s paces. She only kanpai’d with them so many times in the first place to express camaraderie for Arisa, so she isn’t sure how and when things spiraled out of control.
Either way, she is in safe hands (or rather arms) of her beloved Ako. She inwardly apologizes to the Hazawas for not being conscious enough to thank them for hosting this wonderful party, since at the moment she is too comfortably carried on her girlfriend’s back to even open her eyes.
They will have a decent length of rest before they have to start preparing for the next tour, so surely they could all have a nice dinner together another day. Come to think of it, even Yukina is lenient to the point that no practices are scheduled during this break. Is there a reason? Did Lisa manage to persuade her wife?
A wave of sleepiness interrupts her train of thoughts and she simply burrows her nose into Ako’s wavy hair.
“Hehe, you’re being extra cute, Rinrin~ Can’t wait to get home so I can see your face properly~” Ako chuckles again, her grip on Rinko’s legs tightening slightly. “Sorry I can’t walk any faster though, I don’t want to accidentally drop you - are you okay though? Would you prefer me to carry you bridal style?”
Rinko squeezes Ako’s shoulders and shakes her head, too lethargic to muster anything other than a croon. Her girlfriend giggles at that and wiggles her head a bit, attempting to nuzzle back. “Okay okay, gotcha my queen~ your humble steed shall make haste and try not to jostle you too much!”
True to her words, she speeds up and does her best to keep her gait as even as she could. Rinko wholly feels her girlfriend’s efforts, her heart warming at the gesture.
“This reminds me of that one time I scraped my knee - wasn’t that the first time we met IRL too? - and you tried your best to carry me home! So strong~ Ah, I was totally taken by you then and there, literally and figuratively! I mean, I was long mesmerized by your awesomeness online, O Great Sorceress, but back then I probably fell for you before I even know what love is, hehe~”
Rinko remembers it all too well. Of course she does, it is one of the most precious memories she ever holds, one when her life is changed forever.
===========================
There were so many people.
She couldn’t remember the last time she had been around such crowds. Other than going to school and to her piano tutor, she tended to stay within the comfortable haven of her room, where it contained everything she needed. Shelves full of books, be it mysteries, suspense, fantasy or even good ol’ classics, she could travel between fictional worlds and relish within the wonders of her imagination.
There was no need to step out in the real, terrifying world. People were nice but sometimes they weren’t, so Rinko had no desire to subject herself to the possibility of such encounters. Why chance it when she could be wholly safe at home? If she felt like interacting with live people, there was always her computer. Playing online games allowed her to chat with strangers, albeit briefly, and that was more than enough for her social quota. All the initial conversations were pleasant but the other players tended to stray away and eventually formed their own guilds. By force of habit, Rinko had gotten used to tackling the missions by herself. Besides, there was no one else as high of a rank and level as she was anyway, which must have turned away potential teammates.
Until one day, she met a fairly high-levelled Necromancer.
They teamed up since then, their complementary styles and dedication powering them through dungeons after dungeons with ease. It was the most fun Rinko ever had. She didn’t think things would get even better than it already was.
[Heya, RinRin! Wanna go to the Collab Cafe together?]
Really, Rinko would have turned tail and ran home if it weren’t for that one chatbox message. She nervously wrung her hands together and shrank against the pillar outside the train station. It took her a few days to ponder and agree to that invite. She had missed so many similar collaboration events in the past due to her fear of crowds so perhaps going with someone would work.
Ako-hime the Necromancer was her partner on NFO. They had been playing together for the past several weeks and she had gotten fond of her friend. Yes, friend. The other player was always energetic and friendly, and they never ran out of topics to chat about. Ako-hime’s rather chuuni speech mannerism was entertaining too! Moreover, Rinko was always delighted to assist her friend in coming up with creative catchphrases.
But, would Ako-hime still want to be friends with her after the meeting today?
This was Rinko’s greatest fear.
She knew that she acted differently online and offline. She already had trouble speaking with classmates, let alone a stranger she had never met.
Whimpering, she closed her eyes and tried to breathe evenly. However, this only made her pounding heartbeats all the more jarring in her ears. Murmurs from passersby seemed to be directed at her, even though a part of her knew it was just her being paranoid.
She shouldn’t be out here. She should be at home where she was protected by the anonymity of the internet. Where was that portable tent when she needed it?
“Hello! Are you RinRin?”
The childish and cheerful voice snapped Rinko out of her stupor. She gingerly opened her eyes to find a young girl a head shorter than herself peering up at her. The pigtailed girl was wearing gothic-style clothing, complete with cute and edgy accessories like chains and wristbands. Her crimson eyes were filled with curiosity and such purity that Rinko found the tension leaving her body.
“Um, yes I am. Are y-you A-Ako-hime?” She squeaked, unable to keep eye contact for long.
“You are exactly correct, my cohort!” The girl swung her arm and made a pose, grinning. “Nice to meet you, O Beautiful Sorceress!”
“Erm…” Blushing, Rinko tried to smile. “N-Nice to meet you too, Ako-hime. How d-did you know it was me-?”
The girl’s wavy lavender pigtails bounced as she dramatically folded her arms, pressing her index and middle finger above her left brow. “Behold, my super Evil Eye! I’m drawn by your mana, my dear partner, I could sense you from miles away, and as soon as I came near, your minion called out to me-” She gestured at the NFO-bat keychain hanging on Rinko’s purse, and at her own NFO-wolf keychain hanging off of her belt. “And so my greatest companion, the… uh… the fearsome… uh...”
“Hellhound of Tartarus?” Seeing Ako-hime’s various consternated expressions, Rinko couldn’t help but blurt out. She almost squealed when the shorter girl clasped at her hands, her eyes glimmering in gratitude and joy. Her fanged grin was also rather endearing.
“Yes! Exactly! The Hellhound of Tartarus brought me to you, my most trustworthy partner. Wow, I’ve always known you’re amazing RinRin, but you’re even more awesome in person! Thanks!”
“Y-You’re welcome,” Rinko smiled more easily this time. Though not used to such forward behavior, the younger girl’s hands were warm and reassuring. “Thank you for inviting me to the cafe again, Ako-hime.”
“U~fufu~ I should be thanking you instead~ I’ve always wanted to go to a collab event but I could never find anyone and Onee-chan is busy lately with her new band-”
It was probably the most Rinko has ever spoken, yet she did not feel drained in spite of already going over her ‘social quota’. Instead, she felt light as air, as if she was going on a side quest with her reliable partner. All the crowds around her, these NPC townsfolk, were no longer a threat.
Though brimming with zest, this Ako-hime never rushed her and always respectfully waited for her to finish speaking. That boosted her confidence and lessened her stammering to the point that she was able to hold proper conversations with her friend at the cafe. Lines of fans did nothing to deter her desire to get to know the younger girl more. They learned each other’s real names, schools and favorite food. Rinko felt rather guilty letting a girl two grades her junior do most of the talking, so she vowed to make up for it later the night during NFO raids. Perhaps they could go hunt for that new boss monster, which was rumored to drop a limited gear for the Necromancer class.
She wished they could keep on chatting, but Ako had a curfew and had to go home. Seeing this as a chance, Rinko offered to walk her to the train station at least. She was older after all!
Ako’s reply surprised her, however. “It’s okay, I’m a big girl! I don’t need you to escort me - we’re friends after all, ne, Rinrin?” In spite of learning her real name, Ako seemed fond of calling her by her net alias. “Instead, I’d be happy if we could spend more time chatting while getting to the teleportation point!”
It took a few moments for Rinko to decipher those words. She deduced that Ako didn’t really see her as someone older, or rather, she didn’t want to be the younger one because they were equal, that they were partners. This lifted a weight off of her chest and renewed her belief that she may have made not just a friend but her best friend today. Nodding shyly, Rinko didn’t protest when Ako took her hand and led her through the crowds while chattering away.
They were a good team, not just in online games but also in real life. Rinko noted that Ako appeared to contain all the energy she lacked, and her cautiousness would stop the shorter girl from running into people or tripping over curbs.
Even then, she was so immersed in Ako’s stories of her super cool older sister that neither of them noticed a protruding slab of tile on the sidewalk. Rinko’s reflex was not fast enough to tighten her grip on Ako’s hand, and the latter stumbled painfully onto her knees and elbows.
Ako bit her lips, obviously trying her hardest not to cry, but a few tears still slipped out. Rinko stood there helplessly, with one hand covering her mouth and the other hand reaching out and frozen.
“F-Fear not! This isn’t enough to d-defeat the great Demoness!” Those words would have been believable if they weren’t interlaced with sobs. “Besides, you’re here with me, aren’t you? You’re always there for me to heal me, like when we first met in NFO! So don’t cry, okay?”
Rinko blinked, only realizing the hot wetness on her cheeks. “I-I’m so s-sorry, Ako-chan, it was m-my fault, I d-didn’t catch y-you… I’m sorry…”
“Rinrin…” Ako took a step closer but flinched, pained by her wounds.
“I’ll t-take responsibility! P-Please… let me take you… home safely…” She hastily wiped away her tears, crouching and turning her back towards the surprised girl. “P-Please…”
Perhaps too taken aback, Ako obediently got onto her back and wrapped her small arms around her neck. After making sure her friend was secure, Rinko stood up with little effort. She was so used to carrying stacks of books, at home and at school. She could do this. She must do this.
“Hehe, Rinrin is so strong~ You’re so cool!”
Encouraged by the laughter in Ako’s slightly nasal voice, Rinko was able to proceed with her new mission. In spite of the amount of pedestrians during rush hour, she navigated through the streets under Ako’s directions. So focused she was that she ignored her fear of crowds. Only Ako mattered. The scraps on Ako’s knees and elbows must be treated as soon as possible.
She must have carried Ako for at least three blocks when a red-headed girl charged towards them with a frantic expression.
“Ako! What happened to you!? Are you okay?!?!?”
Rinko squeaked and instinctively backed away from the stranger.
“Ehhh!? Onee-chan?! What are you doing here? Don’t you have band practice?!”
She relaxed slightly and lowered Ako down so the tall girl with spiky short hair could speak to her sister. This must be Udagawa Tomoe.
“Yeah I did, but I busted my ass over to the cafe as soon as it was over! It was yer first time meetin’ a so-called net friend after all so I’m worried!”
“Aaaaand we’re here to make sure Tomoe didn’t do anything stupid~” A strawberry-blond girl was grinning on the side while a brunette was giving them an apologetic smile. “We had to keep stopping her from joining your da… um, outing with your friend, Ako-chan.”
“Hii-chan! Tsugu-chin!” Ako’s eyes lit up in joy, though she playfully pouted a moment later and nudged her sister’s back. “Mou, Onee-chan! I told you I’m a big girl! And Rinrin is super duper awesome so you have nothing to worry about!”
Though initially unnerved by all these strangers, Ako’s closeness with them gave Rinko enough courage to briefly look at each of them in the eye before bashfully dropping her gaze. “H-Hello, I-I am… Shirokane… Rinko.”
“This is the Rinrin I’ve told you so much about, Onee-chan!”
“Heh, so you’re that legendary sorceress! I’m Tomoe, this lil’ rascal’s older sis. Thanks for always taking care of her, Rinko-san!”
Rinko noted that the elder sister has a similar fanged grin and charisma and that helped her relax. In fact, even the other two newcomers, Uehara Himari and Hazawa Tsugumi, had this inexplicable aura that made her feel at ease.
It was probably the most adventurous day she’s had, at least until she met and joined Roselia.
===========================
“Hey Rinrin, do you want me to heat up the bath or do you want to rest for a bit on the sofa?”
Ako’s whisper causes Rinko to open her eyes. The sight of their shared apartment greets her and she suppresses a tired yawn. She must have drifted off while reminiscing and that turned into a dream instead. Nevertheless, it was wonderful and she feels more blissful than ever.
At one point, she would have never thought about dating Ako. They’ve been best friends for so long after all. Yet, looking back, it also makes so much sense that they end up together because no one else can make her feel as complete as Ako does.
“Hn? Rinrin?”
She realizes that she’s still clinging onto her girlfriend even as the latter tries to lower her onto the sofa. Rinko playfully latches on and pulls her down. Ako just lets her and comfortably nestles her head on her breasts.
“The sound of your heartbeats is always so soothing,” Ako chortles as Rinko whimsically caresses her hair. “Hehe, and also so soft and comfy here. Rawr~”
She brushes through those lavender tresses and down her girlfriend’s nape, giggling at the resulting tremor when her fingers ghost over the skin. Then, out of habit, she roams her hands over Ako’s sinewy arms and traces the tattoos.
“Hmnn, Rinko, are you okay? I know the liquor’s effects must have long faded,” Ako lifts her head slightly to look her in the eyes.
Rinko lightly scratches Ako’s head before cupping her cheek. “I’m just feeling a bit nostalgic that’s all. Nostalgic and happy, so very happy…”
Grinning, Ako turns to kiss her palm. “Oh yeah?”
Her thumb brushes over her girlfriend’s lower lip, feeling its curve and warmth. This same smile has given her so much courage and energy over the years. It convinced her to go to the livehouse to watch Yukina’s performance; it supported her as she played in the audition for the keyboardist spot in Roselia; it gave her butterflies in her stomach after they kissed for the very first time.
How miraculous this seemingly simple gesture is, her beloved Ako’s smile. It did more than bringing her out of her shy shell into the confident woman she is today.
“I love your smile so very much, Ako-chan.”
“Hehe~ that’s cuz I love making you happy, Rinrin!”
Ako’s earnest reply sends her into a giggling fit. Perhaps she is still delirious, both from the liquor and her feelings for her best friend and lover.
“I’m so very lucky, Ako-chan, to have you by my side…”
Perhaps it’s been too long of a day, for another wave of sleepiness cuts her off and she could only snuggle against her girlfriend. Before she drifts off, she feels Ako giving her a peck on her forehead.
“No, I’m the lucky one…”
=============================
She has the same dream again.
Roselia at the pinnacle of their success, at Future World Fes. Yukina, Sayo, Lisa, Ako and herself. No more and no less. That moment is definitely on her list of ever-growing cherished memories but is there a reason why the dream is recurring?
Is this her subconscious’ attempt to ease some sort of anxiety she hasn’t even realized herself?
Rinko lets out a groan and rubs her throbbing temples. The combination of improper sleeping schedule and the liquor could have caused the dream too. The physical discomfort is fortunately balanced out by the immense wave of contentment given by that memory.
She already notices that Ako isn’t in bed with her or else she would have woken up to her girlfriend snuggling and mumbling against her. There are times when Ako surprises her with breakfast in bed too, complete with a cup of warm milk just the way she loves it. Either way, while curious, Rinko simply goes about her morning routines and makes herself presentable. The last time she left the bedroom with her hair dishevelled and wearing nothing but Ako’s jacket… well, it was certainly quite an enjoyable experience, though it would be best for her to actually step out of the bedroom since it must be nearly noon.
“Ako-chan?”
After not receiving any answer, Rinko decides to check her phone and finds a video message from her girlfriend, apologizing that she has to go out early to meet up with Tomoe.
[Sorry but you were sleeping so soundly so I didn’t want to wake you! So yeah, I gotta go somewhere with Onee-chan again today, and oh Sayo-san and Hina-chin will be with us too. I can’t reveal anything about this super ultra mission right now Rinrin, but it’s so very Dong! Bang! and I swear I’ll fill in every single detail upon completion! Love you <3]
Ako looked so serious in the video, or at least at first glance since the twitch at the corner of her lips was foretelling. She must be trying her best not to grin and that tickles Rinko’s heart, accumulating another wave of fondness she has for her beloved partner. She recalls Sayo’s reassuring smile yesterday, reaffirming that she has nothing to worry about.
Perhaps Ako is organizing a surprise party? That does sound like something she might plan, but what for?
Shaking her head, Rinko decides to simply text her girlfriend.
[Good luck on your mission, Ako-chan (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ ]
She almost drops the phone when she receives a string of replies right away.
[Good morning Rinrin! Did you sleep well? It’s a bit chilly this morning so make sure to equip the Sorceress Cloak of Hell!]
Rinko glances over at the haphazardly folded lavender shawl on the couch. Earlier, she was wondering what it’s for, and she doesn’t recall ever seeing this item before. Did Ako get it for her? She can’t help but smile as she touches the silky material.
[Equipped (o˘◡˘o) Warmth +10, thank you Ako-chan!]
[You’re welcome~ Oh I gotta go now, ttyl!]
Rinko giggles at the selfie of Ako doing the peace sign and pointing at a grinning Tomoe, whose arm is draped around an obviously sleep-deprived Sayo, and a laughing Hina who is koala-attached to her twin’s arm. She subconsciously hugs the phone close before putting it away and stretching lethargically. She doesn’t have anything planned for today, though she did make a note to clean up their place and at least unpack their luggage from the trip.
Just as she is about to get working, she receives another text.
[Yaho~ Are you free right now?]
Pleasantly surprised, Rinko quickly replies to Lisa the affirmative.
[Great! Yukina and I are out at the park with the kids right now, and we’re just wondering if it’s okay for us to drop by?]
[Of course! I’ll get the place ready (((o(*°▽°*)o))) I can’t wait!]
Rinko isn’t quite sure why she feels so giddy at the prospect of the Minatos visiting since Roselia did spend a whole month touring. However, having their whole family of five over is different because of how domestic it feels.
It doesn’t take Rinko long to tidy up the small unit for her guests and soon enough, the doorbell announces the arrival of Yukina, Lisa and their three girls. As expected, Lisa is holding two bags of groceries while Yukina is pushing a stroller. Tama and Kuro are sleeping soundly while Pen-chan, the tuxedo cat, leaps into Rinko’s arms the moment she sees her.
“She misses you,” Yukina is smiling softly while Lisa just gazes fondly at her family.
The sight is so wholesome that Rinko couldn’t help but beam at them as she welcomes them inside. Tama the grey cat mewls and stretches, while the ginger one, Kuro, yawns and flicks its tail sassily. The two cats are very intelligent, hopping out of the stroller once the stroller is settled. Pen-chan continues to purr in Rinko’s arms, even slightly sinking in her claws when Yukina attempts to pull her off.
“I guess it can’t be helped,” Yukina reaches into her backpack for the ultimate ‘weapon’, a penguin plushie, and places it onto the couch. The tuxedo cat finally frees Rinko and leaps for her favorite toy. Tama and Kuro just rub themselves against the smiling owner’s legs, demanding attention.
Really, it’s hard to believe that this affectionate, motherly woman is the same as the cool vocalist of Roselia. As Rinko watches Yukina cooing over the kittens with a relaxed smile, she decides that this image suits her friend the best.
Yukina really has come a long way since the stern and almost unforgiving girl Rinko saw at the livehouse on that fateful day. Practicing at the beach house, going to the water park, participating in NFO collaboration events and so many more memories they have created together all help them become the people they are today.
The five of them, no more and no less, have reached the pinnacle together and are continuing to soar for greater heights.
Then, what is this sense of incompleteness that’s been poking at her? The repeating dreams flash in her mind again and, out of habit, Rinko clutches her hand against her chest. It’s not a bad feeling, just an itch she wishes to scratch at if only she knows where it is.
“Mind if I borrow your kitchen, Rinko?” Lisa is already rolling up her sleeves and tying back her long hair.
“Y-Yes, go ahead…? Um, do you want me to help with anything?”
“It’s okay, I got it~” Winking, Lisa gently nudges her towards the cats and Yukina. “Just relax and chat, okies?”
Rinko senses the hidden message in her friend’s kind gaze and nods in gratitude. Even after so long, Lisa still looks after her band in any way she can. She probably noticed that Rinko has something on her mind and needs advice from their esteemed leader.
Yukina seems to be aware of it as well, for her attention is wholly on Rinko as the latter settles down on the couch.
“I thought about asking you yesterday at the cafe, but the timing wasn’t quite right, not in that kind of merry atmosphere,” the leader of Roselia says, her calm voice carrying as much weight as it always has and not at all diminished by way she gently caresses her cats. The rhythmic movements help Rinko relax as well, making it easier to speak her mind just like all those years ago when she was practicing for the piano recital.
She describes her dreams as much as she can, encouraged by how patient and serious Yukina looks. Those piercing eyes have not changed over the years, and Rinko fully believes that she will help her find the right path.
The silver-haired woman glances around the apartment in contemplative silence, the background filled with quiet clinks and other sounds from the kitchen. After one more thoughtful scrutiny at Rinko, Yukina then shifts her softening gaze towards Lisa.
“I think you wish to do something for Ako,” Yukina says slowly. “You feel like… you haven’t done enough.”
A sense of revelation washes over Rinko and she stares at her hands, folded on her lap. It’s like being able to breathe after being underwater for a long time. She tugs at the shawl, her fingers playing with the soft fabric. “You’re right, Yukina-san. This must be it. I feel like I have everything I’ve ever wanted but have I really done all I can? Ako-chan’s done so much for me, but I don’t think I’ve done much for her at all. Do I-”
“-really deserve her?”
Rinko looks up to find Yukina smiling at her. There is only understanding in her eyes.
“I once thought Lisa is too good for someone like me, that I cannot possibly bring her the happiness she deserves. Remember what you said to me? You, Sayo and Ako?”
“You are her world.”
“Your happiness is Ako’s happiness, so I do not think you need to fixate on what you can do for her,” Yukina gives each of her cats a thorough head rub, nodding to herself at the responding purrs. “Instead, think about what would make both of you happy.”
“Both… of us…”
“Yes, so do not think that you do not deserve your happiness, Rinko. That would make Ako sad.” Yukina’s voice, though quiet, allows no room for argument.
A hand lightly pats Rinko’s head, and she peers up to find Lisa also smiling at her in agreement. Yukina and Lisa have attained their dreams and are even raising a family of kittens just as Yukina has always yearned for. Sayo, too, is married to her highschool sweetheart and helps out at Hazawa Coffee as much as her schedule allows. She and Tsugumi are thinking of adopting a puppy soon too.
What does Rinko want or rather, what would both she and Ako want?
“Thank you, Yukina-san, Lisa-san. I-I’ll think about it.”
“The cookies will be done in a bit~ That ought to get the brain juices going, ne?”
Rinko perks up at that. Lisa’s homemade cookies have always been the source of strength and comfort for Roselia after all. Throughout the years, Sayo and even Rinko herself have contributed to the desserts in band practices but it just isn’t the same as Lisa’s. Being on tours together as a band is wonderful but Rinko does miss this kind of domestic feel. Perhaps it’s the homemade food, perhaps it’s the fact that they are back in their hometown, she almost feels like they have gone back in time and they are all just high school students gathering to discuss their performance after a live.
Ah, but her precious family has grown so much since then, hasn’t it?
An idea strikes her and she ushers the Minatos to get seated so she could take a photo. Lisa has Pen-chan on her shoulder, Yukina is cuddling Kuro, and Rinko has little Tama just peeking over her head as she takes the selfie. Before sending the picture to Ako, she also takes a short video of the enticing cookies in the kitchen.
The responding text is almost instantaneous. Ako promises to be back before dinner time and is apparently bringing the Hazawas over too. Lisa announces that she shall make a feast for everyone, for this impromptu but special Roselia gathering.
Rinko simply smiles to herself as Yukina tries to get Lisa’s approval to help out at the kitchen too. Hugging the phone against her chest, she knows what she’d like to do for Ako and herself now.