"The Softest Pillow" fanfic series, continued: MaoMiya
Maomiya
Title: Recreational Relaxation
“Move! Mooove!”
“I am moving- Otousan, you’re going to push me into the- OTOUSAN!”
“I told you to move!”
The late afternoon sunlight streamed gently through the open window and across the interesting array of items strewn haphazardly around the floor- a pink jacket, Dragon Age, a black DS, Nintendo 64 console and controllers, a deck of cards, a half eaten salad- before finally splaying upon the backs of two seemingly adolescent figures.
“Let me stay in my bubble this time, Kazu- eh! KAZU!”
“You ran into me, Cat mama!”
Inoue Mao and Ninomiya Kazunari sat cross-legged side by side on the floor in Nino’s living room. They sat so close together that their knees continuously bumped one another as they stared intently at the television screen in front of them, Wiimotes in hand. Mao only sat this close because she had learned, a year or so ago, in the beginning of playing video games with him, that Nino was much easier to hit at this range when he killed her on purpose. Nino on the other hand, never moved from his spot on the living room floor when playing video games because it was his “lucky spot.”They were playing a new Wii game, “New Super Mario Bros. Wii” that Nino was instantly good at because he was familiar with all Mario games, but unfortunately, Mao was… to say the least, really, really bad at.
“Kazu! Just let me stay behind you this time!” Mao yelled, her face so serious Nino couldn’t help but tear his gaze away from the screen- something he never did- to quickly steal a glance at her. She was very cute when she was angry. He wanted to take a picture and send it to Jun, he would definitely appreciate it-
“ITTE!”
Mao pushed him roughly to the ground with a hand and he toppled over.
“You killed me again!” She protested.
Nino laughed. Mao continued to hit him on his shoulder, this time with the Wiimote. Nino only laughed harder, putting up his arms to shield himself as he faced her onslaught of “rage.” No sooner than she started, Mao was laughing too.
When she finally stopped hitting him, they rearranged themselves, breathless, and looked at the screen.
Nino’s voice was flat. “Look what you did.”
“…heeh?”
On the screen was no longer the Mario stage they were playing on, but now a new screen that only appeared when all players- in this case, Nino and Mao- died.
“G-gomen.” Mao murmured, nervously.
Nino was frowning. “That was my first death in this game. Ever.”
There was a silence that fell between them… shortly interrupted by Mao’s giggling. Nino immediately turned at the sound to scold her.
“Oi! This is a very serious matter! Why are you laughing!” Even though he was scolding her, he couldn’t stop smiling himself.
“You… you…” she began through bubbly giggles, “You… died in your commercial for this game though…”
Nino’s eyes widened and he put his scolding face on, his arms crossing over his chest as he did so, “That doesn’t count, that wasn’t my game. This is my game, and no thanks to you…”
“Hai, hai,” Mao placed a comforting hand lightly on Nino’s upper arm, still trying to suppress her giggles at the “seriousness” of the situation, “Gomen, ne?”
“Not forgiven,” Nino retorted, “You owe me something. Food.”
“Food?” Mao repeated.
He nodded gravely. “I think, something like a steak dinner is in order.”
“Steak?” She said incredulously, “But you didn’t even finish your salad!”
Nino just about died at her response. He ducked his face behind the crook of his elbow to hide his laughter.
“Nani, nani?” asked Mao, using the hand she had placed on his upper arm to pat him instead, prodding for an answer.
He finished laughing, and pointed at the salad in question, “That’s your salad. I finished mine before the game started.”
“Eh?” Mao turned to look at the innocent greenery, momentarily forgotten in the flurry of mushrooms, fire flowers, and yelling matches. “Sou?”
Nino nodded. Mao put her hand on the back of her head and laughed in embarrassment. He just shook his head slowly, as if enjoying some inside joke.
“Well,” Mao began encouragingly, “you could finish my salad if you’re hungry.”
“Offering me your leftovers!” He scolded her again. Mao curled her lips inward, a Jun mannerism she picked up, to suppress her laugh. He made a small “tsk” sound of disapproval. He closed his eyes, and opened his mouth to shout, “I want steak-!”
Mao reached over and put her hand over Nino’s mouth.
“Shh! Your mom’s napping!”
They both knew that Nino’s mother was a deep sleeper, hence why they were able to shout so loudly during their Mario game, but Mao just wanted an excuse to cut him off. She was mischievous like that. He reached up to pull down her wrist a fraction so he could speak, this time, in a mock-low voice,
“If we went out for steak this wouldn’t be a problem…” he hinted, cheekily.
“Fine, fine. But we split the cost this time, okay?”
~~~
Mao should have known better. Nino conveniently “forget” his wallet at home again. She poked him hard on his side and promised to search his bag before they leave his house next time. Nino patted his full stomach in response, a coy smile on. Mao had disguised herself a little- she wore her hair in a ponytail underneath a baseball cap, and donned her pink jacket- but Nino had not. He wore a loose unbuttoned white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, over a light yellow shirt with cargo pants. His outfit screamed Ninomiya Kazunari casual wear. Because of this, they both took the back exit of the restaurant to avoid stares from pedestrians that may recognize them in the streets. They were walking, side by side, to Nino’s car, Mao swinging her “significantly lighter purse” because she had to pay for Nino, while Nino stuffed his hands in his pockets to keep the cold from getting to them.
“You have to walk Hug-chan next time you walk Haru-chan.” Mao was saying, seriously, to Nino, “You also have to bathe him too.” She had been making up a list of things Nino had to do in return for her paying for dinner.
“Bathe him? Mao-chan, I didn’t eat that much steak.”
She pushed him, and he chuckled.
“So you agree to buying him treats, a few toys, and walking him?”
He shrugged.
“Otousan!” she said, pushing him lightly again.
“Fine, but…” In one swift movement he reached around and pulled the baseball cap off her head to place it on his, “…I get to keep this.”
She didn’t try to grab it back, but instead, adjusted the hat on his head, so the bill was higher on his forehead. “How is letting you keep my hat make it fair?”
“Well, Hug-chan is still at my house right now, playing with Haru-chan. For free.”
Mao put on the hood of her jacket, to keep up disguise. “And I suppose keeping my hat also pays for the gas that brought us to the steak restaurant to begin with?” she teased.
He smirked. “Precisely.”
They continued on, walking side-by-side, for a moment, in silence.
“How are you and Masami-chan?”
Nino looked down at his shoes, a small smile playing on his lips. “I thought today was supposed to be a drama-free day.”
Mao smiled in turn, trying to keep the conversation as light as it usually was between them. “Well, it’s not day anymore,” she replied, cheekily.
He didn’t respond right away. “Mm. The usual.”
“Ah…” Mao said, nodding, lips pursed, “So not so good?”
Nino didn’t say anything.
“She’s trying her best- Masami-chan. What she did-”
“-I know, Mao.” He interrupted. His voice held an underlying intensity in it that made Mao look at him. Their eyes locked- the look Nino was giving her made her pulse quicken, her breath catch. Nino’s eyes always spoke volumes higher than his words did. “I still love her.”
Mao forced herself to look away. She didn’t press further.
As Nino’s car came into view, Nino pulled the bill back down to better cover his face.
“So, back to my house?” he asked casually. The previous atmosphere had somehow wafted away with Nino’s lighter tone, as if it never happened. Mao glanced cautiously at him. Nino was a good actor, he looked completely fine.
She shook her head courteously, perhaps it was better to give him time alone. “I don’t feel like playing videogames right now… you can take me home- heeh?”
Nino poked her in the cheek. “Stop it. I don’t hang out with you to sulk, you know.”
Mao blinked innocently at him. He rose his eye brows. They stood like that for a few seconds, with Nino’s finger squished against her face.
Then slowly, a smile spread across Mao’s face. Nino laughed and dropped his hand, she giggled back and bowed her apology.
“Don’t get all stuffy and polite like that on me, Mao-chan. It’s better when you smile.”
Nino unlocked his car and they both got in. Somehow, hanging out with Nino always made her feel better.
“What?” Nino asked.
“Mm?”
“You were looking at me.”
She didn’t even notice. “Oh. It’s nothing,” she replied with a small smile.
“Glad you have a friend like me?” Nino said with a smirk.
Mao laughed incredulously at his straightforwardness. He started the engine and headed home.
Two hours later…
“Mao-chan, I was going to jump on that ledge anyway.” Nino was defending heatedly.
“I know. Of course you were.” Mao replied, her tone implying the exact opposite.
He was driving her back to her apartment after a painful hour and 45 minutes of trying to beat Super Mario Bros. Wii as fast as possible. And although he didn’t want to admit it, Nino knew, deep inside, that he wouldn’t have gotten as far as he did without her advising him from the couch behind him.
“I mean it!” Nino continued, “I just wanted to see if there were any short cuts-”
“-After three deaths in a row?” She interrupted.
He stopped in front of her apartment complex.
“All right, get out of my car already!” whined Nino.
Mao giggled. “You’re just bitter that you had to take my advice to win.”
He chuckled, unable to deny the truth in her words. She looked at him with a small smile, hand on the car door latch.
“Good night,” she whispered, gratefully, “It was fun, as usual.”
He did his small signature smirk, and then, he leaned in and, gently, kissed her cheek.
Then as quickly as he had done it, as if he suddenly realized what he was doing, he pulled away.
The silence that followed was so profound Mao could hear the thrum of her heart- beating too fast.
Their eyes met, faces inches apart.
Finally, Nino looked away, his expression melted into something more familiar as he said snarkily with a point of his index finger at the building they idled next to. “I do believe this was your stop.”
Mao could only nod. Nino. It’s just Nino. She didn’t want to know- she wouldn’t ask. Mao opened the door and a cool breeze greeted her. She stepped outside and then turned to thank Nino again. He only nodded. They held gazes of question for a moment too long- and then Mao looked away and closed the door.
She walked to the apartment, key already jingling in her hand as she aimed for the side entrance into the building. She didn’t look back. A few seconds later, she heard his car pull away.
What was that?
She walked into the complex, down the hall, and to the elevator. She pressed the up button. Waited.
What just happened?
The elevator doors slid open, she walked inside, heard the doors slide behind her.
It was nothing, Mao.
She felt the familiar lurch of the elevator as it accelerated. Her phone vibrated.
[From: Nino
Hey, what happened in the car was nothing. That’s how they say good bye in America. I’m sorry if I scared you.
Jan 5, 8:09pm]
Nothing.
The elevator opened and she walked a few steps down the hall. She stopped in front of a door she had found herself in front of many times before. For months. For years.
Matsumoto Jun opened the door for her. She didn’t even realize she had already knocked. Judging from the delicious smell that wafted to her from inside, he had finished baking the cake she had been meaning to make for a week. Jun was thoughtful like that. “Mao, what happened? You’re home earlier than usual, did Nino’s girlfriend ask for him or- hey, what’s wrong?”
Mao blinked at Jun and suppressed a smile. He was wearing her apron, a chocolate stain on his cheek.
Then for some unexplainable reason, she remembered Nino’s kiss.
“Nothing.” Mao said, smiling. She never lied to Jun before.
“Hm. Well you can’t expect to win against Nino very much.” Jun said as he took her hand in his and pulled her gently to him.
Mao stepped into Jun’s embrace, and they fit just as perfectly as they always had- Mao wasn’t sure why she had expected differently.
Author’s Note: I know. You either hate me, hate Nino, or some combination of the two. I hate myself a little too right now. But… I wanted to write this.
This was written for maea_maie. Happy belated, belated birthday, Mae. Your appreciation for Maomiya made me feel less guilty.
P.S. I know. I know I've been gone. I'm super busy. Tammy has been keeping me updated on all things Maotsujun and some things Arashi which I so appreciate. I love her, I do. I want to send a special hug out to muffinmaverick and shinkei_shiro-- did you guys know you both sent me a message on the same day all those weeks ago? Thank you. Thank you everyone again for this fandom (Arashi, Maotsujun, Maomiya).
Title: Recreational Relaxation
“Move! Mooove!”
“I am moving- Otousan, you’re going to push me into the- OTOUSAN!”
“I told you to move!”
The late afternoon sunlight streamed gently through the open window and across the interesting array of items strewn haphazardly around the floor- a pink jacket, Dragon Age, a black DS, Nintendo 64 console and controllers, a deck of cards, a half eaten salad- before finally splaying upon the backs of two seemingly adolescent figures.
“Let me stay in my bubble this time, Kazu- eh! KAZU!”
“You ran into me, Cat mama!”
Inoue Mao and Ninomiya Kazunari sat cross-legged side by side on the floor in Nino’s living room. They sat so close together that their knees continuously bumped one another as they stared intently at the television screen in front of them, Wiimotes in hand. Mao only sat this close because she had learned, a year or so ago, in the beginning of playing video games with him, that Nino was much easier to hit at this range when he killed her on purpose. Nino on the other hand, never moved from his spot on the living room floor when playing video games because it was his “lucky spot.”They were playing a new Wii game, “New Super Mario Bros. Wii” that Nino was instantly good at because he was familiar with all Mario games, but unfortunately, Mao was… to say the least, really, really bad at.
“Kazu! Just let me stay behind you this time!” Mao yelled, her face so serious Nino couldn’t help but tear his gaze away from the screen- something he never did- to quickly steal a glance at her. She was very cute when she was angry. He wanted to take a picture and send it to Jun, he would definitely appreciate it-
“ITTE!”
Mao pushed him roughly to the ground with a hand and he toppled over.
“You killed me again!” She protested.
Nino laughed. Mao continued to hit him on his shoulder, this time with the Wiimote. Nino only laughed harder, putting up his arms to shield himself as he faced her onslaught of “rage.” No sooner than she started, Mao was laughing too.
When she finally stopped hitting him, they rearranged themselves, breathless, and looked at the screen.
Nino’s voice was flat. “Look what you did.”
“…heeh?”
On the screen was no longer the Mario stage they were playing on, but now a new screen that only appeared when all players- in this case, Nino and Mao- died.
“G-gomen.” Mao murmured, nervously.
Nino was frowning. “That was my first death in this game. Ever.”
There was a silence that fell between them… shortly interrupted by Mao’s giggling. Nino immediately turned at the sound to scold her.
“Oi! This is a very serious matter! Why are you laughing!” Even though he was scolding her, he couldn’t stop smiling himself.
“You… you…” she began through bubbly giggles, “You… died in your commercial for this game though…”
Nino’s eyes widened and he put his scolding face on, his arms crossing over his chest as he did so, “That doesn’t count, that wasn’t my game. This is my game, and no thanks to you…”
“Hai, hai,” Mao placed a comforting hand lightly on Nino’s upper arm, still trying to suppress her giggles at the “seriousness” of the situation, “Gomen, ne?”
“Not forgiven,” Nino retorted, “You owe me something. Food.”
“Food?” Mao repeated.
He nodded gravely. “I think, something like a steak dinner is in order.”
“Steak?” She said incredulously, “But you didn’t even finish your salad!”
Nino just about died at her response. He ducked his face behind the crook of his elbow to hide his laughter.
“Nani, nani?” asked Mao, using the hand she had placed on his upper arm to pat him instead, prodding for an answer.
He finished laughing, and pointed at the salad in question, “That’s your salad. I finished mine before the game started.”
“Eh?” Mao turned to look at the innocent greenery, momentarily forgotten in the flurry of mushrooms, fire flowers, and yelling matches. “Sou?”
Nino nodded. Mao put her hand on the back of her head and laughed in embarrassment. He just shook his head slowly, as if enjoying some inside joke.
“Well,” Mao began encouragingly, “you could finish my salad if you’re hungry.”
“Offering me your leftovers!” He scolded her again. Mao curled her lips inward, a Jun mannerism she picked up, to suppress her laugh. He made a small “tsk” sound of disapproval. He closed his eyes, and opened his mouth to shout, “I want steak-!”
Mao reached over and put her hand over Nino’s mouth.
“Shh! Your mom’s napping!”
They both knew that Nino’s mother was a deep sleeper, hence why they were able to shout so loudly during their Mario game, but Mao just wanted an excuse to cut him off. She was mischievous like that. He reached up to pull down her wrist a fraction so he could speak, this time, in a mock-low voice,
“If we went out for steak this wouldn’t be a problem…” he hinted, cheekily.
“Fine, fine. But we split the cost this time, okay?”
~~~
Mao should have known better. Nino conveniently “forget” his wallet at home again. She poked him hard on his side and promised to search his bag before they leave his house next time. Nino patted his full stomach in response, a coy smile on. Mao had disguised herself a little- she wore her hair in a ponytail underneath a baseball cap, and donned her pink jacket- but Nino had not. He wore a loose unbuttoned white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, over a light yellow shirt with cargo pants. His outfit screamed Ninomiya Kazunari casual wear. Because of this, they both took the back exit of the restaurant to avoid stares from pedestrians that may recognize them in the streets. They were walking, side by side, to Nino’s car, Mao swinging her “significantly lighter purse” because she had to pay for Nino, while Nino stuffed his hands in his pockets to keep the cold from getting to them.
“You have to walk Hug-chan next time you walk Haru-chan.” Mao was saying, seriously, to Nino, “You also have to bathe him too.” She had been making up a list of things Nino had to do in return for her paying for dinner.
“Bathe him? Mao-chan, I didn’t eat that much steak.”
She pushed him, and he chuckled.
“So you agree to buying him treats, a few toys, and walking him?”
He shrugged.
“Otousan!” she said, pushing him lightly again.
“Fine, but…” In one swift movement he reached around and pulled the baseball cap off her head to place it on his, “…I get to keep this.”
She didn’t try to grab it back, but instead, adjusted the hat on his head, so the bill was higher on his forehead. “How is letting you keep my hat make it fair?”
“Well, Hug-chan is still at my house right now, playing with Haru-chan. For free.”
Mao put on the hood of her jacket, to keep up disguise. “And I suppose keeping my hat also pays for the gas that brought us to the steak restaurant to begin with?” she teased.
He smirked. “Precisely.”
They continued on, walking side-by-side, for a moment, in silence.
“How are you and Masami-chan?”
Nino looked down at his shoes, a small smile playing on his lips. “I thought today was supposed to be a drama-free day.”
Mao smiled in turn, trying to keep the conversation as light as it usually was between them. “Well, it’s not day anymore,” she replied, cheekily.
He didn’t respond right away. “Mm. The usual.”
“Ah…” Mao said, nodding, lips pursed, “So not so good?”
Nino didn’t say anything.
“She’s trying her best- Masami-chan. What she did-”
“-I know, Mao.” He interrupted. His voice held an underlying intensity in it that made Mao look at him. Their eyes locked- the look Nino was giving her made her pulse quicken, her breath catch. Nino’s eyes always spoke volumes higher than his words did. “I still love her.”
Mao forced herself to look away. She didn’t press further.
As Nino’s car came into view, Nino pulled the bill back down to better cover his face.
“So, back to my house?” he asked casually. The previous atmosphere had somehow wafted away with Nino’s lighter tone, as if it never happened. Mao glanced cautiously at him. Nino was a good actor, he looked completely fine.
She shook her head courteously, perhaps it was better to give him time alone. “I don’t feel like playing videogames right now… you can take me home- heeh?”
Nino poked her in the cheek. “Stop it. I don’t hang out with you to sulk, you know.”
Mao blinked innocently at him. He rose his eye brows. They stood like that for a few seconds, with Nino’s finger squished against her face.
Then slowly, a smile spread across Mao’s face. Nino laughed and dropped his hand, she giggled back and bowed her apology.
“Don’t get all stuffy and polite like that on me, Mao-chan. It’s better when you smile.”
Nino unlocked his car and they both got in. Somehow, hanging out with Nino always made her feel better.
“What?” Nino asked.
“Mm?”
“You were looking at me.”
She didn’t even notice. “Oh. It’s nothing,” she replied with a small smile.
“Glad you have a friend like me?” Nino said with a smirk.
Mao laughed incredulously at his straightforwardness. He started the engine and headed home.
Two hours later…
“Mao-chan, I was going to jump on that ledge anyway.” Nino was defending heatedly.
“I know. Of course you were.” Mao replied, her tone implying the exact opposite.
He was driving her back to her apartment after a painful hour and 45 minutes of trying to beat Super Mario Bros. Wii as fast as possible. And although he didn’t want to admit it, Nino knew, deep inside, that he wouldn’t have gotten as far as he did without her advising him from the couch behind him.
“I mean it!” Nino continued, “I just wanted to see if there were any short cuts-”
“-After three deaths in a row?” She interrupted.
He stopped in front of her apartment complex.
“All right, get out of my car already!” whined Nino.
Mao giggled. “You’re just bitter that you had to take my advice to win.”
He chuckled, unable to deny the truth in her words. She looked at him with a small smile, hand on the car door latch.
“Good night,” she whispered, gratefully, “It was fun, as usual.”
He did his small signature smirk, and then, he leaned in and, gently, kissed her cheek.
Then as quickly as he had done it, as if he suddenly realized what he was doing, he pulled away.
The silence that followed was so profound Mao could hear the thrum of her heart- beating too fast.
Their eyes met, faces inches apart.
Finally, Nino looked away, his expression melted into something more familiar as he said snarkily with a point of his index finger at the building they idled next to. “I do believe this was your stop.”
Mao could only nod. Nino. It’s just Nino. She didn’t want to know- she wouldn’t ask. Mao opened the door and a cool breeze greeted her. She stepped outside and then turned to thank Nino again. He only nodded. They held gazes of question for a moment too long- and then Mao looked away and closed the door.
She walked to the apartment, key already jingling in her hand as she aimed for the side entrance into the building. She didn’t look back. A few seconds later, she heard his car pull away.
What was that?
She walked into the complex, down the hall, and to the elevator. She pressed the up button. Waited.
What just happened?
The elevator doors slid open, she walked inside, heard the doors slide behind her.
It was nothing, Mao.
She felt the familiar lurch of the elevator as it accelerated. Her phone vibrated.
[From: Nino
Hey, what happened in the car was nothing. That’s how they say good bye in America. I’m sorry if I scared you.
Jan 5, 8:09pm]
Nothing.
The elevator opened and she walked a few steps down the hall. She stopped in front of a door she had found herself in front of many times before. For months. For years.
Matsumoto Jun opened the door for her. She didn’t even realize she had already knocked. Judging from the delicious smell that wafted to her from inside, he had finished baking the cake she had been meaning to make for a week. Jun was thoughtful like that. “Mao, what happened? You’re home earlier than usual, did Nino’s girlfriend ask for him or- hey, what’s wrong?”
Mao blinked at Jun and suppressed a smile. He was wearing her apron, a chocolate stain on his cheek.
Then for some unexplainable reason, she remembered Nino’s kiss.
“Nothing.” Mao said, smiling. She never lied to Jun before.
“Hm. Well you can’t expect to win against Nino very much.” Jun said as he took her hand in his and pulled her gently to him.
Mao stepped into Jun’s embrace, and they fit just as perfectly as they always had- Mao wasn’t sure why she had expected differently.
Author’s Note: I know. You either hate me, hate Nino, or some combination of the two. I hate myself a little too right now. But… I wanted to write this.
This was written for maea_maie. Happy belated, belated birthday, Mae. Your appreciation for Maomiya made me feel less guilty.
P.S. I know. I know I've been gone. I'm super busy. Tammy has been keeping me updated on all things Maotsujun and some things Arashi which I so appreciate. I love her, I do. I want to send a special hug out to muffinmaverick and shinkei_shiro-- did you guys know you both sent me a message on the same day all those weeks ago? Thank you. Thank you everyone again for this fandom (Arashi, Maotsujun, Maomiya).