Work Text:
"I'm home."
Ichika steps through the front door, gently tossing her sneakers by the side. She tightens the clutch on her guitar case strap and ventures into her, well, their lovely house.
The sight that greets her first is their cozy living room. The television is softly playing an idol show, and it seems to have just reached the part where the idol performs their lively opening show. The volume isn't too high, allowing Ichika to immerse herself in the cheerful music that fills the room. Most of the delightful sounds she hears, however, are coming from the kitchen.
She turns her head to the left, finding her beloved wife's back turned to her as she diligently stirs the pot. It's likely the same pot of leftover soup that Ichika prepared that very morning.
Ichika sets her guitar case gently against the sofa and places her easy-to-wear shoulder bag on top of the coffee table. She then makes her way to the inviting kitchen area.
Kanade, seemingly noticing Ichika's presence, turns her head towards her taller wife and offers her usual warm smile, her eyes softening. "Welcome home."
Ichika returns the smile and can't help but feel a rush of warmth at the sight of her wife. She peeks into the pot, filled with the delicious aroma of their homemade soup, and glances at the small dining table set for two. There are already some side dishes and two bowls of rice neatly arranged on top of the cozy tablecloth.
"Sorry, I could've made dinner if rehearsal had ended earlier," Ichika says with a hint of guilt in her tone.
Kanade shakes her head, her gaze shifting to an empty bowl nearby as she fills it with the already heated soup. "No, it's fine. My work is done anyway, and you've already told me this rehearsal would be longer than usual," she replies, placing the warm bowl beside the pot. Instinctively, Ichika lends a hand, carefully taking the bowl and setting it on the dining table.
Kanade, with a gentle demeanor, takes two empty glasses of the same size and fills them with ice-cold water. Using the ladle once more, she scoops up the remaining soup, pouring it into the other bowl.
"After all, you're always the one cooking. All I can do is heat up leftovers," she continues, a hint of embarrassment coloring her words, which Ichika notices.
Ichika settles into one of the chairs by the dining table on the right, and Kanade follows suit, taking the seat in front of her.
"You know, Kanade, you can start taking cooking classes from Honami again if you want to," Ichika suggests. Kanade, in the midst of sipping her soup, has to clear her throat in response.
"Do you want me to attempt burning our kitchen again?" she retorts casually, her gaze lifting to meet Ichika's, who is now chuckling as she enjoys a mouthful of rice. Kanade can't help but smile at the heartwarming sight of her wife across the table.
"So, how was today's practice?" Kanade started.
As they enjoyed their simple dinner, Kanade and Ichika chatted, just like they always did. Ichika filled Kanade in on Leo/need's band practice and the rehearsal for the big Tokyo Music Festival happening the next day. This festival was going to feature many famous musicians, and Leo/need had snagged a spot among the performers.
Ever since they went pro during high school, Ichika and her friends had been working hard every day. They practiced tirelessly to get better and brainstormed ways to make their music more known. Time had flown by, and despite the problems and challenges that came with being pros, they had made a name for themselves. They had supporters from all around the world who sent messages saying how much they resonated with their music.
Now, they had this chance to perform live at a huge music festival. Tomorrow, Ichika, Saki, Honami, and Shiho would be on a big stage with everyone's eyes on them as they poured their hearts into their performance.
Back when they were 16, Leo/need wouldn't have been ready for something like this. The thought of performing in front of such a large and diverse audience would have been too much. But over the years, they had grown up and become responsible adults. Their goals hadn't changed, but performing in front of big crowds—it's not exactly unfamiliar.
Ichika emerged from the bathroom, clad in a comfortable t-shirt and sweatpants, gently patting her long hair dry with a towel. After the relaxing bath, a sense of weariness began to settle in. The realization hit her that it was time to recharge, preparing for the eventful day ahead at the bustling music festival tomorrow.
Sitting down on the edge of their queen-sized bed, she picked up her phone and began studying the schedule file Honami had shared several weeks back. Despite her thorough preparations, the feeling that she hadn't practiced enough lingered, a sensation that seemed to have been with her since her teenage performances. Her mind reassured her that she was ready, yet her heart still held doubts. To ease her unease, Ichika focused on distraction... and what better way than to embrace a peaceful sleep?
Closing her phone, she placed it on the bedside table and turned on the soft light of the bedside lamp. Simultaneously, the room's main light went out, preparing for bed. Ichika turned around and saw Kanade gently closing the bedroom door as she finished switching off the lights.
Kanade held an unlit candle in her hand, a lighter resting in her left hand. Placing the candle on the shelf near to the bed, she carefully lit up the scented candle. The room took on a warm, yellowish glow, softly illuminating the space. Satisfied that the candle flame remained steady despite the air-conditioning, she put the lighter back on the shelf.
Ichika had been observing Kanade's movements the whole time, a small smile playing on her lips. She patted the spot beside her, already cozily cocooned in the comforter, lying on her side to face Kanade. Responding to the unspoken invitation, Kanade nestled herself into the shared comforter, melting into Ichika's tender embrace.
Ichika took a deep breath, her fingers gently running through Kanade's soft locks.
"Kanade, I'm worried about tomorrow," she confessed, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Kanade, who had been nuzzling into the crook of Ichika's neck, reacted to the statement. She shifted her position slightly, allowing her to gaze into her lover's eyes. "Why is that?" she inquired.
Ichika closed her lips for a moment, her gaze drifting upward to the dark ceiling as if searching for an answer. Yet, the answer remained blurred, as it often did in moments of doubt.
"I don't know," she admitted with a touch of vulnerability, her voice barely above a whisper.
Their eyes locked in a shared moment of reassurance.
Kanade gently held Ichika's hand that rested on her waist, their fingers intertwined. Her thumb caressed the familiar shape of Ichika's wedding ring, a symbol of their strong connection.
"You don't have to worry," Kanade whispered softly, "Mochizuki-san, Tenma-san, Hinomori-san, they're always with you, performing with you. And I'll be right there, in the audience, watching how you shine from the stage. Mafuyu, Ena, Mizuki, we'll all be there, supporting you."
Kanade's hand moved to gently push Ichika's bangs behind her ear. Her touch was tender and reassuring.
"Believe in yourself, just like you always have," she encouraged, her eyes filled with faith.
Ichika's gaze softened, and her hand slid back to Kanade's waist, pulling her closer in a loving embrace. She hummed softly, a silent affirmation of her trust and gratitude.
"Mmm..." Kanade pondered for a moment, searching for more words of comfort.
"Tomorrow is Miku's anniversary," she said, her voice gentle and soothing. "Perform for her as a special gift, and enjoy every moment of it. Miku has always been your number one supporter, hasn't she?" Kanade continued. She reached out for the Miku plush resting against the headboard and placed it between the two of them.
Ichika's eyes lit up at the mention of Miku. "Oh, I forgot about it... I made preparations to celebrate her anniversary too," she admitted, her tone tinged with regret. She patted the Miku plush, which wore a bright, cheerful expression.
"Don't worry," Kanade reassured her, "there's always time to celebrate tomorrow."
Ichika nodded slowly, a yawn escaping her lips. Sleepiness was finally catching up to her, and she sank deeper into the cozy embrace of the bed, her head resting on the soft pillow. With Kanade by her side and the plush reminder of Miku, she felt a sense of comfort and warmth that eased her into a peaceful slumber.
Kanade noticed Ichika dozing off in the soft darkness and stayed quiet. Wrapped together, they could hear each other's gentle breathing, like a lullaby. In no time, they both fell asleep, resting up for the day ahead.
It was okay for Ichika to be nervous about singing, no matter how often she'd done it. It doesn't matter, because she knows she's not alone. Everytime, Kanade would always be there with her comforting words. In that assurance, they both found peace as they slept through the night.