Archive of Our Own

<♡>

Nene Kusanagi sat in her apartment, lamenting how her life had gotten here. 

Sure, she was successful, WxS was about to perform on tour, and they all managed to remain close and work together, despite Rui working for Arkland and Emu returning to help run Phoenix Wonderland. 

Speaking of Rui, while he took a shower in her apartment, she was scrolling her phone, remembering what time of year it was.

Valentine's day. Also known as the world's reminder for her that she'd had a crush on Emu Otori for years.

Emu's stupidly adorable laugh. Her wide grins. The way she was clingy and sweet and happy all the time, things Nene usually hated, but tolerated for few, loved even less.

Nene Kusanagi loved Emu. Who couldn't? She was simply the happiest person Nene had ever met. 

Unlike certain other troupe members, she didn't try to do mad science experiments on Nene, or yell constantly. She and Emu were close.

Speaking of Emu, she was going out to lunch with WxS tomorrow, to start planning their newest world wide venture, before rehearsals got particularly rigorous. They would be performing both shows and some songs they had come up with over the years. Which happened to include choreography.

Cleverly, Rui had figured out how to include the Sekai members in the show as well, through projection. 

Speaking of Rui, a wet rat walked inside, attempting to dry his hair. Surprisingly, Rui had grown out his hair, and it was even longer than her own now. It was also perpetually tangled. And looked somehow more majestic than anything Nene could do with her haircare routine, and she was sure he used 27 in 1 or some nonsense like that.

Rui sat down on one of Nene's numerous beanbags, while Nene angrily tried to scroll past the annoying amount of hearts on her socials. 

She was pathetic, wasn't she? Maybe the harsh amount of sighing finally cued Rui to say something, because he looked up from his phone, which he'd been typing at furiously.

“ So, what's annoying you now? A video game sale ending? Or perhaps something else? I cannot fathom what could– oh.” Rui glanced at her phone.

“ Awh, it seems that our beloved diva is jealous of the people on the internet.” Rui smirked at Nene.

“ I'm not! But….”

“ Oh~ is this drama already?”

“ Shut up and listen, you.” Nene lightly hit Rui in the head with her water bottle.

“ You know that crush on Emu I've had for years?” Nene asked Rui, who set his head in his hands.

“ I am aware of it, yes.”

“ Well…. I'm wondering…. Should I act on it?”

“ Ah, romantic advice! Naturally, you should ask one such as myself, who has managed to catch the eye and have a committed relationship with a star as bright as the man named— Ah!” Rui Kamishiro did not manage to dodge the water bottle to the face.

“ You say one more word about Tsukasa Tenma and I will put in my headphones and discontinue this situation. I heard enough about him before you two got together, I don't need more now that you're busy being extremely couple-ly around me. Constantly.”

“ What are you talking about?”

“ You know exactly what I'm talking about. But back to the discussion. I just…. I don't know. Our current relationship is….. fine.”

“ You know, Nene, I said the exact same things myself, once.” Rui sighed, “ But then–”

“ Then Tsukasa did all the work and told you after I made him.”

“ My point exactly. So now, I'm telling you to do the same. Aren't we meeting up tomorrow?” 

“ I am not telling Emu tomorrow. It might make it awkward.”

“ Your mistake. Now do you have any ice cream? I'm hungry.”

“ ….It is the middle of winter, Kamishiro.”

“ What are seasons but a societal construct?”

“ I don't have ice cream. Now come play Super Smash Bros with me before I drag you here myself.”

<♡>

Nene liked riding the train.

Naturally, an incredibly insomniac tall person happened to be asleep next to her, but that would change the second they heard the loud ringing of Tsukasa Tenma's voice to greet them. 

They were meeting up in Shibuya, where Emu still lived, and Rui had been sleeping over at Nene's, which was the farthest from Shibuya. Rui and Tsukasa lived by Arkland, while Nene lived a little farther out. 

Nene listened to music as she stared outside at the scenery, the early morning train nearly empty, unlively. But Nene knew that was about to change in 3…2…1…

The train stopped, and a familiar figure stood by the doors, Nene already knew who it was. It was hard not to tell when the second the doors opened, in stepped Tsukasa Tenma, leader of Wonderlands x Showtime, and royalest pain in the ass sometimes, but dear friend.

“ GOOD MORNING, YOU TWO!” Tsukasa shouted entirely too loudly, Rui somehow still asleep. Nene honestly wasn't sure if it was because dating Tsukasa led to hearing loss, Rui was just extremely tired, or he was just used to it.

“ Is he— is he asleep?” Tsukasa asked in a much quieter voice, pointing at Rui. Nene nodded. 

“ Yep. I woke up to him doing some nonsense last night at 3 in the morning. I think it was inventing something.”

“ Why am I not surprised?” Tsukasa sighed. He sat down next to Rui, gently shaking his shoulder. 

“ Rui, it's not smart to sleep sitting up, or on public transport.” Tsukasa said, surprisingly softly for the usually louder and verbose man. “Rui. Sweetheart. Darling. Wake up.” 

Tsukasa, despite now actually shaking Rui, was having trouble getting the sleeping director to rise from his slumber.

“ RUI.” Tsukasa said, actually making Nene wince, but thankfully Rui finally opened his eyes, groaning.

“ ….Wazzgoingonnene?” Rui said, waking up, and looking over to notice the person who woke him up was in fact, not Nene. 

“ G'morning, Rui.” Tsukasa grinned at Rui, making Nene regret being on the same train as them. She put her headphones back on, tuning out the conversation and playing some mobile game on her phone. Besides, it was awkward either way to be alone. 

She noticed Emu texting her phone, and she pulled up the text.

[💕🌸Emu🌸💕]: Nene! Are you guys almost there? I miss you (;w;) we barely get to see each other! 

Meanwhile, another message was sent to the group chat.

[💕🌸Emu🌸💕]: See you guys soon ~♡ I'm excited to get to work on our next show! It's gonna be super-duper awesomely wonderhoi☆! (-^v^)-♡

[🌟 Loud One 🌟]: me to im glwd wr dojkg thws 

[❗Annoying One❗]: Tsukasa Translator Time: “ Me too, I'm glad we're doing this.”

[🌟 Loud One 🌟]: hwy whu wohld u ned thst 

Nene decided to ignore the main group chat and text Emu back.

[♡Nene♡]: Yeah I miss you too, Emu

[♡Nene♡]: Ever since high school ended we haven't talked as much

[💕🌸Emu🌸💕]: I know (;n;) I miss your smile~! It was super pretty! Like the lights on the ferris wheel~♡! \(^v^)/

Nene wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. It was true, they hadn't been quite as close since high school ended. Not like Tsukasa and Rui were. After all, Nene lived the farthest away. And she was busy, and didn't feel like sucking up to Rui like Tsukasa did to get cast in Arkland shows.

Or maybe Rui was casting Tsukasa because he wanted him around. Nene wasn't sure, but she did know Tsukasa was in quite a few Arkland shows despite not being a member.

“ So, Nene. What we discussed previously.” Rui suddenly pulled Nene's headphones off her head.

“ Absolutely not.”

“ Absolutely yes.”

“ You're not going to meddle.”

“ All I hear is the word meddle, which I'm going to do.”

“ Would one of you care to explain?” Tsukasa raised an eyebrow, joining in on the conversation.

“ Nene here has had a crush on Emu for years now, and you and I are going to help her finally ask her out.” Rui grinned, throwing his arm over Tsukasa, who looked confused.

“ She does?” The ever dense man said.

“ Yep. Which is why we're going to help. After all, we're their elders, aren't we? We need to be helpful to them.” Rui sighed dramatically.

“ Listen. We're almost there. I don't need either of you two messing around. I don't want to cause trouble. Besides, I'm sure Emu has found someone more… cheerful… she prefers.” Nene sighed. After all, Emu Otori was sweet to everyone. It was hard to tell who she liked more, when she acted friendly and sweet to everyone. 

Speaking of which, the train finally stopped, and standing by the door was Emu Otori. She grinned widely when she spotted Nene, her eyes sparkling. 

“ Nene! Tsukasa! Rui! Wonderhoi☆!” Emu exclaimed.  She threw her hands into the air, running over to hug Nene in a tight embrace. She was giggling, and Nene smiled.

Nene felt like whenever she saw Emu, her heart would flutter and jump like the butterfly headband she used to wear on her first costume, and she felt warm inside. Emu was truly like the sun. 

Emu pulled away, practically tackling Tsukasa as she went over to hug him. He started yelling at her to let go as Emu laughed, and Nene felt nostalgic back when this was everyday. She was glad they had a big project all together soon, because she missed this.

She missed Emu. 

The 4 walked to the station, Emu jumping back to go to Nene.

“ Nene, I'm super-duper excited to see you! We'll go and do a bunch of fun stuff together today before you need to leave, and then everyday you come back, we'll do even more fun stuff together!♡” Emu smiled at her, a smile that made Nene's heart jump. 

“ I-I'm excited. For that.” Nene said, as Emu grabbed her hands and jumped some. She was much too enthusiastic and energetic, but Nene was happy to see her.

“ Parfait time~! Parfait time~!” Emu sang as she turned around, holding out her hand for Nene to grab. 

Nene took it as the 4 went towards what was once their usual place, to start planning what would be the greatest venture of their lives to date.

<♡>

The 4 sat down with their food at one of the tables, papers spread as they planned each show. Depending on the city, they would go song, acting skit or comedy skit, song, rinse and repeat, giving time for the next costume change that might be needed. Some songs, especially group ones, would be their base, new and improved costumes, and some would be customized to that song based on popular choice. 

It was Rui's idea for that layout, and Nene had to admit, it was smart. They'd also do new versions of songs that were previously group sounds, but sung duet or solo. This was if a costume change would run long.

The other 3 discussed the order of songs, as well as what songs they should sing. Nene, meanwhile, was busy eating her parfait while occasionally glancing over at Emu, who looked incredibly excited to be planning stuff. It was honestly adorable.

Tsukasa and Emu were discussing who should make the costumes, very passionately, Nene should add.

“ It would be super-duper wonderhoy to ask Mizuki, though!”

“ Listen, I said we could ask Akiyama for a couple, but these costumes should be made by a high quality professional! After all, this is a big deal! And I believe in her, but Akiyama is unfortunately not what we should be aiming for!”

“ Awh…”

“ After all, these should be costumes fit for a star and his companions!” 

“ It's bold of you to call yourself a star…” Nene chimed in, glancing over from her parfait. 

“ Nene. I've been in several plays that have been extremely popular.”

“ Yeah, and don't pretend that nepotism wasn't part of a couple of those.”

“ I would never stoop so low! It's unbefitting of a star!” 

“ Okay, Mr. Dating-His-Director.”

“ I am not relying on Rui to get me roles!” Tsukasa looked offended at this point.

Nene smiled. She enjoyed this banter with Tsukasa. It had been a constant back when they had been younger, and it had naturally slid into their dynamic. She did respect Tsukasa, even if he was incredibly loud.

Tsukasa, meanwhile, was so busy being offended he didn't notice Rui doodling something in his notebook. 

“ Nene! We should perform a bunchhhhh of songs together! And wear pretty sparkly-warkly outfits!” Emu randomly jumped in, turning to Nene. 

“ Well…” Nene was about to mention she didn't want a flashy outfit, but Emu seemed to be set on all of them standing out. 

“ We'll decide how the outfits look later, we need to decide which songs we want costume changes for, as well as the order.” Tsukasa sighed, looking at some of the lists.

“ Or we could wing it! It would be fun~☆” Emu grinned.

“ Absolutely not. This is going to require a lot of planning.”

The two of them went back to their banter, Rui still very much scribbling in Tsukasa's notebook, and Nene thought it would be funnier to let Tsukasa figure it out himself.

Emu, meanwhile, was busy eating her parfait, with Tsukasa scolding her for getting food on their planning documents. Nene didn't notice her smile grow. Emu looked over at her, and grinned, using her fingers to push Nene's smile even further.

“ Nene! You're so smiley-wiley today! Did something happy happen?”

Nene sighed, moving Emu's fingers.

“ No, I'm just glad to see you, Emu.”

“ Me too! You should come to Phoenix Wonderland! I'd be happy to have you sing there again, and your voice is so pretty!” Emu said, while Nene felt a pang in her chest.

“ I don't need you to do that for me, Emu. I'd prefer it if you gave those chances to more people like how we used to be.”

“ Awh….” Emu sighed. “ I miss when we—”

“Rui. What are you drawing in my work notebook!?” Tsukasa suddenly cut in, pulling the book from Rui's grasp. 

“ Something I think will make your day ever so brighter, darling.” Rui smirked an incredibly cat-like smirk, mischief written all over his face. 

Tsukasa glared at Rui, and Nene finally got a glimpse of the drawing. It was Rui, but without a vital article of clothing, known as a shirt.

“ What? I thought you would like it, fufufu.” Rui said with the innocence of a child when they knew what they did wasn't the right thing, batting his eyes at Tsukasa with a poorly hidden grin.

Tsukasa hit him promptly on the back of the head with a rolled up script that was going to be thrown away.

“ Unrealistic.” Tsukasa commented as he turned back to Nene and Emu like that didn't happen, tearing off the drawing and balling it up.

Rui sighed, laying his head down while scanning the plans that were currently scattered around. He seemed to be studying them, his director's wheels turning in his head. Or he was trying to look busy. 

“ Now, back to the planning. What about we perform ‘Showtime Ruler’ in between ‘Telecaster B-Boy’ and ‘Niccori-Survey Team’?” Tsukasa suggested, looking at Rui. 

“ Or maybe ‘Wagamama Hime’? That one would work.” Rui looked up at Tsukasa, “ Because we need to fit ‘KING’ in at some point, and we're doing a costume change for that one.”

“ We're doing ‘KING’? Isn't that choreography….. interesting?”

“ What do you mean?”

“ Rui, that choreography makes it look like we're gay for eachother.” 

“.... aren't we?”

“ Yes, but that's not the point.”

“ Don't we need to change costumes for ‘Wagamama Hime’?” Nene asked, looking at the list of songs that would work better with costume changes.

“ Yes, but me and Rui could do a comedy skit beforehand.” Tsukasa said.

“ Reminder, me and Emu are also performing ‘Alien Alien’.” Nene said. That song was particularly popular. 

As the day drew on, Nene realized she was dreading going home. For one, they were making almost no progress, and two, Nene was enjoying herself. Even when she was hanging out with Rui, it was never the same as all of Wonderlands x Showtime being together.

“ This is becoming rather unproductive.” Rui pointed out after a certain amount of silence between the 4.

“ Thank you, Rui. That was rather insightful.” Tsukasa sighed. 

“ I know!” Emu suddenly pointed out. “ We should have a sleepover!”

“ Like in high school?” Nene asked, looking at Emu.

“ Yeah! When we played your games that went zip-zap-zop and beep-boop! Or those movies with awesome effects!” Emu exclaimed, looking excited. “ Those were super-duper awesomely amazing!” 

“ Well….” Nene wasn't sure if they could do it on such short notice. Her apartment wasn't big enough, and she wasn't even sure Emu's would work either.

“ Hmmm…. We could boost our productivity with team building…. I'll allow it!” Tsukasa said, crossing his arms.

“ Where would we go?” Nene asked, glancing at the other members.

“ Tsukasa, our apartment might work.” Rui suggested.

“ Rui, if we get one more noise complaint our landlord might actually evict us.”

“ But what if we didn't get too loud?” Rui said, already preparing puppy dog eyes. 

“But we don't have any food for dinner…” Tsukasa said, going deep into thought. Nene noticed Rui elbowing Tsukasa and motioning to her and Emu. 

Yeah, she didn't like the sound of that. 

“... Oh. Me and Rui could go shopping and you two girls could go have fun and meet us at our apartments when you're done. One of us could send you our address.” Tsukasa suggested, glancing at Rui, who winked at Nene. Thankfully, Emu was too busy being distracted by a billboard with an ad for their show.

“ Nene! Look! We're on TV!” Emu pointed. 

Nene, meanwhile, was busy shaking her head as furiously as possible at her two friends, who were glancing back and forth, Rui grinning.

“ Emu, we'll be off. You two should go and have fun together.” Rui grinned, standing up, gathering his things. Tsukasa did the same, and Emu waved them off, Rui winking at Nene when she wasn't looking. 

This was going to be a long hour or so.

<♡>

They decided to go to the arcade, Nene texting Rui on the way, walking next to Emu.

[❗Annoying One❗]: Nene he's trying to buy vegetables 

[❗Annoying One❗]: Nene help me

[ Nene ( Remember If You Give Her A Nickname Again She Will Murder You)]: I hope he does. 

[ Nene ( Remember If You Give Her A Nickname Again She Will Murder You)]: Tsukasa if you see this buy as many vegetables as possible.

[❗Annoying One❗]: So cruel Nene (p-p)

Nene laughed a bit, as her and Emu went inside the arcade. She remembered this one well, since it was where she and Emu used to go when they were in high school. Since it was a school night, not many students were there, so it was relatively empty.

Emu was grabbing her hand, which Nene pretended not to notice, as Nene slipped her phone in her pocket. She needed to try and do this. Maybe. Or not. Emu and her could just be friends. She could deal with the crushing heartache.

“ Nene? Are you okay?” Emu asked. Fuck. She must have been frowning.

“ I'm fine, Emu. Now, what should we do?” Nene asked Emu, trying to smile.

“ Hmmmm…. Ooo! They are super-wuper cute!” Emu sang, pointing at two fish plushies in the crane machine. One pink, one green. “ They look like they want to go splish-splash!”

“ Nene! Can you win those for us?” Emu asked, doing those puppy dog eyes that always made Nene fold.

“ Fine, Fine. I'll try. I'm not as good as Aoyagi, though…” Nene said, going to the crane machine. One attempt.

Failure. But it could always be attempted again.

Two attempts?

Failure. 3rd time's a charm.

Three attempts?

Failure.

Emu looked concerned on the 3rd go around, when Nene was losing her patience.

“ Nene… if it costs too much–”

“ I'm getting those damn fish, Emu.” 

Attempt four. At this point, those fish were mocking her. Taunting her. She must conquer them. 

Slowly, she positioned the claw over the pink fish. It lowered.

She had the pink fish. But could she get the green one?

She handed Emu the pink fish, who was in awe as Nene glared back at the green fish. Mocking her.

Failure. Next try.

Failure. Next try.

On attempt number seven, she managed to get the claw perfectly over that damn fish. At this point, every video competition she'd ever been in didn't measure up to the challenge that these stupid fish presented.

She was Nene Kusanagi. She didn't lose.

Failure.

Attempt eight.

Emu stood in awe next to her. 

The claw grabbed the fish. 

It almost dropped.

But it fell into the chute.

Emu cheered, hugging Nene. Nene felt her face grow hot and her heart jump.

Emu grabbed the green fish, and handed Nene the pink one.

one.

" Don't you want the pink one?” Nene asked Emu, confused.

“Nope! I like this one. It reminds me of you!” Emu smiled, hugging the fish.

That got Nene to smile. It hurt. It hurt to smile and laugh and know that this was just temporary. Emu had her life. Nene had hers. 

After the Wonderlands x Showtime tour, it would go back to the way it was. Nene jumps from troupe to troupe, trying to increase her fame. Emu goes back to running Phoenix Wonderland.

And that made her heart hurt.

But she should try and live in the present now. 

“ Do you want to play another game? They have DDR here.” Nene asked, softly, her smile fading.

“ Of course! It's Emu and Nene funtime time!” Emu cheered.

“ You said time twice, Emu.” Nene giggled a bit.

“ Because our time is extra important!” 

“ I'm glad it's extra important, then.”

And so the two girls went to go play more games.

DDR. Nene was naturally a pro, but Emu was scary good at DDR. 

Pac-man. Nene wasn't that good at this one, especially since it took a while.

Tetris. Nene was a pro at this one.

Basketball. Emu beat Nene by a long shot.

By the end of the hour or so, Nene and Emu had a ton of prizes, and even bigger smiles. Emu was laughing from glee, and Nene was smiling, smiling so much her face hurt. 

This was fun.

“ Thank you, Nene. This was a super-duper wonderhoi☆ day! We should do this again!” Emu grinned at her.

“ Yeah… we should.” Nene collected her prizes, checking her phone for any texts from Tsukasa or Rui. There was one from Tsukasa.

“ Hey, we should take the train. I know which station to get off on. That is, if you don't mind?” Nene asked Emu.

“ Of course not! That's more time to talk!” Emu exclaimed, grabbing Nene's hand and running for the train station.

“ Wah-! Wait, Emu-!” 

<♡>

And Emu fell asleep.

Nene should have expected it. After all, Emu was extremely enthusiastic all the time. So she decided to let her sleep.

Rui was busy trying to annoy her, though.

[❗Annoying One❗]: Soooooo

[❗Annoying One❗]: Did you admit your feelings in a dramatic way at a DDR machine

[ Nene ( Remember If You Give Her A Nickname Again She Will Murder You)]: fuck no

[ Nene ( Remember If You Give Her A Nickname Again She Will Murder You)]: It was fun, though.

[❗Annoying One❗]: Nene we literally gave you the perfect date time, this simply won't do (>n<)

[ Nene ( Remember If You Give Her A Nickname Again She Will Murder You)]: And I gave you and your dumbass boyfriend perfect chances too and did you confess? Nope.

[❗Annoying One❗]: Nene, ever cold…. 

Nene glanced out the window, and sighed. Did she want to ask Emu? Did she want to change what little dynamic they had left? She missed Emu, yes, but she would miss her more if she asked and it ruined her friendship with Emu.

She'd never be able to forgive herself. If she lost something she cared about again like that.

She glanced at the scenery outside, remembering when she had graduated from Kamiyama. Tsukasa and Rui had come to her graduation, having graduated the year before her, and she remembered getting annoyed at how Tsukasa was acting like Nene was his daughter and getting all emotional. But she'd indulged in it for a bit.

When they had seen Emu, Emu had handed her a bouquet and hugged her tightly, crying for the first time in a while. Nene realized why later that night.

They wouldn't be high schoolers anymore. They would have adulthood and jobs to get in the way. 

She'd realized it too late that night why Emu had been crying. Why there had been such a somber tone that day.

She gripped Emu's hand, and sighed. 

She just wanted to tell Emu how she felt, but she didn't want to lose Emu.

It hurt. 

It hurt a lot.

<♡>

Tsukasa and Rui certainly had an…. interesting apartment.

For one, it was giving Nene an aneurysm looking at it. It was covered in random robots. And cat fur. 

There were also plants lining the shelves and walls, posters of famous shows and actors, hand sewn pillows and quilts thrown on the chairs and couches, and pictures lining the walls. A piano was shoved into the corner as well, with sheet music thrown haphazardly around it. Several of Tsukasa and Rui, doing various things, but there were some of Tsukasa and his sister, Rui and Mizuki, and even some of WxS. Actually, quite a few of the pictures were of WxS.

Nene and Rui playing video games. Emu and Tsukasa practicing for a complex lift in one of their shows. Tsukasa's attempts to hug Nene. Rui and Emu drawing something together. WxS practice. WxS going to get food.

Tsukasa and Rui also had pictures from their graduation, as well as Nene and Emu's.

Also a disgusting amount of pictures of their cat. Which, speaking of the furry devil, the cat ran in there, trying to get attention almost immediately. 

Rui named the cat Hiraga Gennai. Nene thought it was a stupid name for a cat, but Hiraga was their stupidly named cat.

Nene set her stuff down on a table near the front, and Tsukasa finally noticed the two had arrived.

“ Nene, Emu! Welcome to my humble abode! Set your stuff wherever!” Tsukasa called out, as Nene took off her shoes. She realized this was her first time there since she helped them unpack. 

She decided to explore a bit, immediately walking into Tsukasa's office, also known halfway as his sewing room. Rui's was in similar fashion a multipurpose room, an office and his inventing studio.

Rui was sitting in his inventing studio, welding something together. He looked up when Nene came in, waving. 

“ I'm finishing up this right now. It's supposed to be a mechanism to drop something and stop it before it causes any harm, but I'm unable to test it at the moment. Tsukasa unfortunately doesn't want to be the test subject…”

“ You know, maybe your boyfriend shouldn't be your guinea pig for your mad science experiments…”

“ Nonsense. What's the point in having one if I can't also use him for my ‘mad science experiments’, as you call them?”

“ Having one that loves you?”

“ Harsh, but untrue. Tsukasa loves me unconditionally. He truly is the perfect specimen of a man….fufufu”

“ I can't tell if you're talking about your significant other or a test subject.”

“Rui! Nene! We need to get back to planning before we do anything else!” Tsukasa shouted from across the apartment.

Rui grinned at her, unplugging his equipment as the two walked into the living room, Tsukasa already spreading the papers out from before, Emu sitting on the floor next to the coffee table. Rui sat down on the floor next to Tsukasa, and Nene joined them.

The 4 continued to plan, sketching design after design, the occasional shenanigans, Rui suggesting some crazy special effect and Tsukasa somehow agreeing, Emu insisting everything needed more sparkle, while Nene reined them in.

Nene smiled to herself, remembering back in high school, when they would plan shows together. 

She missed those.

Soon enough, even Tsukasa was getting visibly tired of planning, and Nene was starting to get hungry. She decided she should ask Tsukasa and Rui if they needed any help cooking dinner. After all, she was a guest, and rather good at cooking.

“ Alright, gang, I think it's time I start cooking dinner. Rui, come help me. Emu, Nene, you two should relax, or, if you want, keep planning. After dinner I suggest we take a break, though, for the night.” Tsukasa said, standing up. Nene realized why he was isolating her and Emu once more.

Goddammit, Kamishiro.

Based on Rui's grin as he left, he figured out she knew his plan. She should talk to Emu.

Well, she would, if Emu wasn't busy doing what she assumed was an arts and craft project. She was making bracelets, if Nene could tell.

“ Nene! Hold out your arm!” Emu demanded, shoving a bracelet in her direction.

Nene did as she was told, and suddenly her and Emu had matching friendship bracelets.

“ Didn't you make us these before?” Nene asked. She vaguely remembered Emu being crafty since day one of knowing her.

“ Yep! But mine broke, so I decided that we needed new ones! For good luck!” Emu grinned.

Nene had no clue why Emu was being so nice to her, giving her all of this stuff. It was just Emu being Emu, she assumed.

“ …I like it….” Nene sighed.

“ Why did you sigh? And why is your face so sour?” Emu asked, scooting closer to Nene.

“ It's nothing, Emu… it's just….” Nene could tell her. Nene could do it.

“ It's just what? Sour faces are bad, I like seeing your sweet face more!” Emu moved even closer to Nene, to the point if Nene moved forward, her forehead would touch Emu's. 

“ Well…” Damn it. Why was she freezing up? She tried to take a deep breath. She could do this. Her nerves would not stop her this time. Not like the many times they had.

The two sat in silence for a bit, Emu starting to look concerned, before Nene finally spoke up.

“ I….”

A loud explosion rang out from the kitchen.

“ RUI!” 

Nene jumped up, running over to see what happened. What she found was an extremely burnt tray coming out of the oven, Tsukasa clutching his head in his hands, and Rui shrugging.

“ What happened!?” Nene questioned, as Tsukasa pointed at Rui.

“ What the hell did you set the oven on to!?”

“.... I thought if you cooked it at a higher temperature, it would cook faster…”

“ You've seen me cook, Rui!” 

“ And I forgot…”

“ It's fine... We can get take-out from somewhere…” Tsukasa sighed. He glanced over at Emu and Nene. “ I'm sorry for scaring you two, though. Accept my humblest of apologies.” Tsukasa added.

One takeout order and scolding later, the 4 of them were sitting at the table, eating. Emu was telling a story about something that happened to Phoenix Wonderland recently, Tsukasa was laughing about it, and Rui was watching the two, like Nene was.

It felt peaceful.

Even if this was temporary, Nene Kusanagi wanted it to last forever. 

After dinner, the 4 went and played games. Mario Kart, Just Dance ( That got particularly competitive between Nene and Tsukasa. By the end Rui and Emu were particularly shouting praise at Nene and Tsukasa like idol fans. ), Mario Party, Uno, the list goes on. By the end of it Nene's gut hurt from laughing and her face hurt from smiling.

After that, they decided to get ready to sleep. Because of the very unplanned sleepover, she was currently in Rui's t-shirt and sweatpants, which were both way too big for her. Emu was also in a similar situation, the two of them laughing when the other came out.

Soon, they decided to watch a movie. Nene wasn't sure which. But she was sitting on the ground, Tsukasa and Rui were laying on the couch, and Emu sat next to Nene.

At some point, Nene felt herself fall asleep.

When she woke up, the movie was ending, and Emu was asleep next to her, her arms tangled around Nene. Tsukasa and Rui were asleep on the couch in a similar position, tangled up in each other's limbs. 

Nene sighed. She honestly felt so lonely. And Emu was reminding her about that. 

Wait. Emu was cuddling her?

Suddenly she realized that fact. 

Great. Now she wasn't sleeping.

Rest was great while she had it. 

It was completely silent in Rui and Tsukasa's apartment. 

Nene sighed, deciding to get up and stretch. Perhaps doing that would help her fall asleep again.

She stood up, and went into the kitchen, stretching her shoulders. She looked outside at the dark street below, and she felt lonely.

Yes, they had this tour. But after this, it was back to her daily work. Back to not seeing her friends for a while. Sure, she had other friends in the acting business, but they didn't matter to her like Wonderlands x Showtime did. 

She decided against returning to her spot on the floor for a bit.

She needed to clear her head.

Rui and Tsukasa's fur ball jumped up next to her on the table, offering his head.

Nene petted the little demon, smiling to herself.

Yeah, maybe she should do something.

<♡>

“ Annddddddd done!” Emu cheered.

“ We need to run that back again, Rui. I didn't think that run worked.” Tsukasa sighed.

“ To be fair, that was because you didn't correctly perform the choreography, fufufu.”

“ You're the one who decided me caressing you would be a part of it!” Tsukasa snapped.

“ I did. And I don't regret it. After all, not everyone gets to do that while thousands watch the both of you.” Rui grinned.

“ You're strange, you know that?”

“ Mhm. It's part of my charm.”

They were currently running through each of the songs. Nene and Emu had just practiced Alien Alien, so now Rui and Tsukasa were practicing KING. The only problem was that this choreography was rather… interesting.

“ From the top! A star such as myself will not be stopped by some strange choreography!” Tsukasa yelled, and the track started.

While they were busy practicing choreography that Nene wouldn't do over her dead body, Emu tapped her on the shoulder.

“ Heya, Nene☆! Do you want me to go grab you something to drink?” Emu asked.

She'd been so oddly nice, even on Emu standards, to Nene recently. It weirded her out, to be honest. 

“ Sure. I'll watch these two's practice attempt to do this, for who knows how long.” Nene smiled at Emu as she left, leaving her back to her thoughts. 

“ Nene! Does this look awkward?” Tsukasa asked, while they were practicing a part where Rui bends down and runs his hand down Tsukasa's leg.

“ Are you asking me to watch you two caress each other and tell you if it looks awkward or not?” Nene asked, extremely concerned. She was not going to do that over her dead body.

“ Technically, yes, he is.” Rui oh so helpfully pointed out.

“ I'm sure it's fine. Keep practicing, please.” Nene said, pulling out her Switch. Stardew Valley called.

“ Hey! I'm asking you for valuable input!” Tsukasa yelled down at Nene.

“ I can't hear you.” Nene said, deadpan, “ I've gone deaf.”

“ Hey! I'm your troupe leader!”

“ And a loud one, too. I'm going deaf from all the exposure to high volumes.”

Tsukasa sighed, continuing the practice with Rui. Nene, meanwhile, was doing amazing at this fishing. Her luck was great. 

But Emu tapped her on the shoulder, causing her to lose the fish she had been wrestling with for quite a bit.

“ Gah-! Oh, Hey, Emu.” Nene smiled at Emu as she handed her a soda.

“ Hey, Nene.” Emu said, her tone surprisingly serious, “ After this super-duper awesomely sparkly-warkly tour… maybe you could come and work at Phoenix Wonderland for a bit? Just like old times?” Emu asked, looking at Nene. There was a sadness there Emu didn't usually have.

“ I told you…. I don't want to take a spot away from someone who deserves it. After all, what if there's 4 more bright stars trying to make something, like we did?” Nene looked up onstage, where Tsukasa and Rui were busy laughing, Rui saying something with a smirk on his face, and Tsukasa shoving him playfully. She looked back at Emu, who seemed sadder. As much as she wished she and Emu could be like that.

Alright. She could tell Emu. She just had to treat it like a show. Rehearse. After all, she just had until the end of the show. Then, if Emu rejected her, she could simply drift away, no questions asked.

The perfect plan. Now she just had to figure out the perfect words to say.

While Emu was distracted with something else, Nene pulled out her notebook, and began to scribble things down she liked about Emu. Her smile, her happy attitude, the way she gave the most annoying, bone crushing hugs, her laugh, the way she tapped her feet on the ground when she was impatient, how her cheeks puffed up when she was upset, her weirdly correct intuition, her weird way of speaking…. 

Shit. She really did like Emu, didn't she?

As she was scribbling away, she felt someone tap on her shoulder. She nearly jumped a foot until she realized it was Tsukasa, not Emu.

“ Warn me when you do that!” Nene snapped at him, snapping her notebook shut.

“ Ah, my apologies. I couldn't help but notice you seemed to be furiously writing into that notebook, but you rarely participate in script writing.” Tsukasa inquired, “ May I ask why?”

“ It's none of your business.” 

“ A penny for your thoughts?” 

“ Fine. This is for Emu.” Nene glanced down, “ Hey, shouldn't you be practicing with Rui!?”

“ Ah. Also, He's working with Emu right now.” Tsukasa sat down next to Nene, “ So I have time to listen. Allow your troupe leader to listen to your anxieties!” Tsukasa grinned, crossing his arms.

“ I was going to tell you before you got all puffed up about it…”

“ Hey, what do you mean by that!? And you can tell me.” Tsukasa added, “ I happen to be a great listener.”

“ When you aren't shouting, sure…”

“ You happen to be very blunt, did you know that?”

“ I'm surprised you didn't figure it out sooner, Tenma.”

Tsukasa smiled at her, miming zipping his lips and referencing her to continue. Damnit, why did he have to be nice about it?

“ It's just…. I don't want to lose Emu. We aren't really talking now, and I'm afraid of messing up again.” Nene admitted. “ That's kind of stupid, right?”

“ Incredibly” Tsukasa admitted, “ It's Emu. The worst she could do is say ‘ Wow, Nene-chan, I had no idea! That's super-duper wonderhoi☆ for you to share! I'm sorry, I don't quite share those feelings, but we can still hang out because you're amazing and sweet~♡!” Tsukasa said, doing the worst impression of Emu she'd ever heard, pitching his voice up several octaves.

Nene laughed a bit, and Tsukasa grinned widely at her. 

“That's the worst impression I've ever heard!”

“ Dare you say that when you performed your impression of me and said, and I quote, ‘Magical Girl☆~Tenma Tsukasa!’” Tsukasa struck a pose when he said that, causing Nene to giggle a bit.

“ But it's Emu. She'd understand more than anybody else. I promise.” Tsukasa assured Nene.

“ I'm surprised you're not busy talking about yourself by now.”

" I'm not that egocentric or vain!” 

“ You call yourself a star on the basis.”

“ And it's the truth.” Tsukasa said, ruffling Nene's hair, and standing up. “ I should go check on those two. After all, the duties of a troupe leader are limitless!” 

Tsukasa left before Nene could say anything else, leaving her alone with her notebook and her thoughts.

Tsukasa was right. This was Emu she was talking about.

Everything would be all right in the end. 

Tsukasa started loudly shouting about something, Nene couldn't tell, because she was busy clutching her notebook.

“ Nene! We're wrapping up for the day, so let's rendezvous on the stage!” Tsukasa yelled out in her direction.

She walked out from her hiding spot and onstage, taking it in. Tsukasa grinning wildly while Rui smiled at him, and Emu jumped around excitedly.

“ Alright, on 3!”

“1!” 

“2!”

“3!”

“ Wonderhoi☆!”

<♡>

It was the night of the first show. Nene hadn't been able to tell Emu anything.

Either fate was being a fickle little bitch or she just had really bad timing, because every. Single. Time. Emu had been distracted or someone else had interrupted it. 

So far, the show has been going well. The costume changes had been going off without a hitch, and soon Emu and Rui had the prop gun bit that Emu had loved, before they would sing ‘All I Need Are The Things I Like’. After that, Nene and Tsukasa would sing ‘Childish War’ before they would move onto the encode, complete with one final costume change.

So far, the crowd loved every song. Kirapipi Kirapika, Becoming Potatoes, among many others. KING had been a massive hit as well, and as much as that choreography had been a pain for the two, the crowd had loved it.

Nene watched as Tsukasa and Rui performed that song now, as the two clapped along to the beat. Their costumes were particularly intricate for this song, and the choreography was going on without a hitch. Tsukasa and Rui were also… very into singing it.. which helped. 

Suddenly, Emu stepped up behind her, smiling softly.

“ Hey, Nene. Can I tell you something?” Emu asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“ Of course, what's going on?” Nene asked. Was Emu okay? Was she sick?

“ Nene-chan, I don't want this to end. I missed you and….” Emu started, looking down.

“ And what? And I missed you too, Emu.” Nene smiled at Emu.

“ I love you…”

And then Emu kissed her.

Softly. On the lips. 

Nene felt like she was going to explode. 

Tsukasa and Rui finished their song, striking the final pose, and the crowd clapped.

Emu broke apart from their kiss, grinning sadly at Nene as she ran onstage.

“ Emu, wait…!”

Emu was already out onstage, and Nene couldn't upstage the performance for something like that.

She played pretend, holding out a prop gun to the two, saying she would hijack the show. Nene couldn't focus on it.

All that worrying, all that planning. All of it for nothing. 

Emu loved her. 

Emu loved her back. 

Nene felt like she could cry. But the stupid grin on her face wouldn't wipe off. 

Tsukasa ran backstage, as part of the bit, but then he noticed Nene's expression.

“ Hey, Nene, is everything…?” Tsukasa asked, somehow keeping his voice down.

Nene nodded furiously.

“ Good, I have to get into costume, fast.” Tsukasa said as he sped away.

Nene felt like she was floating. She didn't even register the next song, her costume change, or the final performance of the night. 

Only when they got to bows did Nene pull herself back into reality. 

She was grinning as she bowed, and as she grabbed hands with Emu and Rui for their final bow as a group.

She glanced at Rui, who was smiling, and Tsukasa, who looked incredibly excited. She finally met the eyes of Emu, who….

Looked sad. Emu looked sad. 

The 4 went backstage, almost immediately breaking character. Tsukasa jumped into Rui's arms, laughing and grinning while Rui showered him with praise, like usual.

Emu was nowhere to be found.

“ You two! Quit slobbering all over each other! Where's Emu!? She was just here!” Nene snapped at the two, who looked concerned when they saw Nene's expression.

“ I believe she went that way, but…. what happened, are you okay-?” Rui asked.

Nene ignored Rui to go search for Emu. She still had her costume and makeup on, but she didn't care. She had to talk to Emu.

She'd rarely seen Emu with that expression on her face. Especially looking at her. She had to talk to Emu.

She ran around all backstage, ignoring the yelling she heard from Tsukasa and Rui, and the outside area behind the stage.

There, Emu sat, silently and calmly. 

“ Emu! Are you okay, I got concerned back–”

Then Emu looked up at her. She was crying.

“ Emu, I'm sorry– I'm sorry for making you cry— please stop–” Nene begged, running to crouch down next to Emu.

“ But… Nene…. Once this is over, we won't get to see each other anymore! You'll go back to your old troupes, and I'll be alone again!” Emu sobbed. “ And I like you a lot, Nene! You're pretty and sweet and caring and compassionate— and I miss you!” Emu continued to cry.

“ Wait— Emu— you never let me respond earlier—”

“ And you probably don't like me back!” Emu cried. “ Because you're amazing and I'm not as amazing as you!” 

“ Emu. Look at me.” Nene said, holding Emu's face in her hands, wiping her tears with her thumbs.

“ I love you too.”

“ You're sweet, and adorable, and you're always so enthusiastic about everything. You make me smile, Emu, and I appreciate everything you do for me. And I'm sorry for not saying this sooner.” Nene sighed, smiling at Emu.

“ So, I do like you, Emu. I like you a lot.”

“ You do?” Emu asked again, in awe.

Nene nodded.

“ That's a super-duper awesomely amazing sparkly-sparkly thing to say!” Emu sang, smiling wildly at Nene.

She reached out and kissed Nene once more.

This time it wasn't filled with regret. It was still as soft as before, but there was a certain sweetness to it. Like candy. 

Nene moved closer, wrapping her hands on Emu's shoulders, kissing back with as much energy as she could. 

The two stayed like that for a while, sparks flying in Nene's chest, before she finally needed to breathe, pulling away.

Emu giggled, hugging her arms tightly around Nene and peppering her face in small kisses. Nene sighed, leaning into it. She was a bit cold from the frigid air around them, but she certainly felt warmer now. 

The two touched their foreheads together, Nene closing her eyes and sighing in relief. It was over now. 

They kissed again. Yep, Nene tasted the same sweet flavor that she had tasted before. Emu was smiling into the kiss, and Nene smiled as well. 

She felt happy. She felt warm. 

They would have continued if not for unseen onlookers.

“ ACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Nene pulled out of the kiss, noticing two spies in their midst. Tsukasa, who had just let out the sneeze that had alerted Nene of their presence, and Rui, who was sheepishly grinning. 

“ How long have you two been there!?” Nene snapped at them.

“ Just long enough to see you two passionately kissing.” “ RUI!”

“ I'm going to murder you both.” 

“ Congrats, by the way.” Rui started laughing.

He wasn't laughing quite as much when Nene stood up, in her glittery costume, and chased them both. In fact, soon he and Tsukasa were practically screaming when they noticed the look of pure rage on Nene's expression.

Emu was laughing, and soon so was Nene, and the other 2 joined in, so soon the 4 WxS members laughed together.

Emu and Nene glanced at each other and grinned, Emu hugging Nene.

Everything would be okay after all.

<♡>

After the tour ended, things did go back to normal. But things did change.

Soon, Nene was moving in with Emu. Her apartment was much bigger and closer to Emu's work, and besides, Nene didn't mind. Her old apartment wasn't exactly that great. 

Emu was extremely enthusiastic about everything. Nene moving in, Nene being her girlfriend, Nene and her still getting to see each other.

Nene was, too.

After Nene got unpacked, the two decided to go to sleep. Nene took a shower, changed into her pajamas, and promptly remembered Emu only had one room.

So she was sleeping with Emu. 

The thought would have sent her into a heart attack a while ago, but now she was just mildly nervous. After all, this would be a permanent thing.

Emu Otori ran into her room, faster than a bullet, screaming. Nene had gotten used to it by now. But what she wasn't used to was Emu scooping her up, and jumping onto her bed with Nene in her arms.

“ E-Emu!”

“ Cannonball☆!” 

The two crashed into the bed, giggling and laughing. 

“ I love you, Nene-chan.” 

Emu saying that surprised Nene.

“ I love you too, Emu.”

“ I love you the most!”

“ I love you more.”

“ I love you the mostest! Because you're Nene! And you're amazing!”

Nene smiled at her girlfriend.

“ Thank you, Emu, I appreciate it.”

“ How could anybody not love Nene-chan? She's the bestest girlfriend in the world!”

Now Nene was turning red.

“ E-Emu… you can stop love bombing me..”

“ Nope! Nene needs to be reminded she's the bestest, most beautiful girlfriend in the world! Who I'd never replace! Because she's Nene!”

Emu pulled Nene under the covers, wrapping herself over the flustered Nene like a monkey. 

“ I'm very happy we met each other at the Wonderstage, Nene-chan.” Emu whispered to Nene just as she was about to fall asleep. 

“ Me too, Emu. Me too.”

" Emu?” Nene said after a while.

“ Mhm?”

“ Thank you.”

“ For what?” Emu asked. 

“ For being you.” Nene turned and looked at Emu with a smile.

“ Why? I'm just doing what Grandpa asked me to do.” Emu said.

“ And that's what's perfect about you.” Nene said. She was silent for a moment, and then she groaned.

“ What's wrong? Why are you frowny, Nene?” Emu asked.

“ I'm becoming fucking Kamishiro. Now I get why he talks about Tsukasa so much.” Nene said, exasperated. 

“ That's okay! I wanna hear allllll the things you think about me!” Emu giggled.

“ Really?” Nene asked, raising an eyebrow.

“ Mhm!” Emu smiled. “ I wanna hear everything you have to say!”

“ Well, you can listen in the morning.” Nene kissed Emu on the forehead, turning the lamp off.

“ Awwwwh! But I wanna hear them now!”

“ Okay, okay, I'll talk until we fall asleep.”

So the two girls talked to each other until they fell into the deep darkness of slumber, their dreams hopeful for the future.

After all, they were part of Wonderlands x Showtime. Anything was possible. 

In the rays of sunshine peeking in the morning, you could find the two girls sleeping peacefully in each other's arms, their story just beginning.

<♡>

Fin.