Another short story thanks to an anon prompt on tumblr. They asked for a "Nui-is-Mako" story, and I felt up to the challenge. Fair warning, this is not a happy story like most of my others. Just...know that going into this.
"Woah, I can't believe Satsuki let us have dinner up here!" Mako bounced in her seat as Gamagoori placed a plate of food in front of her. "I guess she's not so bad after all!"
He hummed in response, pulling his chair forward to the table. "Lady Satsuki is very generous. I hope you enjoy the meal." Mako nodded and began to cut up the steak in front of her into small pieces before taking a bite.
"Mmm, so good!" She swallowed and grabbed the glass of water in front of her. "You okay, Gama? You haven't started eating." Gamagoori blinked, staring at his plate of food as if he hadn't realized what was in front of him. Mako giggled. "I hope you're not this quiet later tonight." She gave him a wink.
Gamagoori slowly, deliberately picked up his utensils and speared a green bean with his fork. He glanced up to see Mako continuing to eat without a care in the world. He observed the vegetable for a moment longer, before returning the food to his plate.
"I think it would be best if we dropped these pretenses." He sighed, leaning away from the table.
"Huh?" Mako paused with a fork halfway to her mouth.
"I don't think you're stupid enough to believe that I wouldn't figure it out."
"Figure what out? Gamagoori, what are you talking about?"
"Drop the act, Nui."
The girl's eyes widened, as she put her fork down. "You're making no sense. Nui was killed along with Ragyo."
"Part of her was." Gamagoori crossed his arms, keeping his face stone still. "The other part somehow found its way to Mako Mankanshoku and took up residence there."
They sat looking at each other, before a giggle shattered the silence. "How long have you known?"
Pain flashed in Gamagoori's eyes before they hardened again. "After Ryuko left to destroy Ragyo. Mako had certain...habits and you-"
"Oh, poor lover boy watching the girl from afar, hoping one day to be together." The monster that wore Mako's face spread into a wicked grin. "This was why you had to be forced into asking me out. No one else knew what you did."
Gamagoori reached a shaking hand to the table to grab his glass of water. After taking a drink he continued, voice calm. "Why would I tell anyone? No one would believe me. They saw you take your own life."
"That's the wonderful thing about life fibers." She sighed as she popped a vegetable in her mouth. "The appearance of death is enough to throw even the most observant off. Would you like to know how I killed off your little girlfriend? I'll admit, I was kind, which was more than she deserved, getting into everyones way like she did-"
The glass that Gamagoori had been holding shattered in his hand. Blood began to drip onto the floor as Nui laughed. The demon across the table watched as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them to stare her down. "I think you've said enough."
"Have I? I could tell you how scared she looked when I confronted her. How it felt to squeeze the life out of her. How her last words were 'But I was going to tell Gamagoori-senpai that-'"
"Enough!" He was on his feet now, rage clouding his vision, hands gripped at his side. "You stop talking about her right now-"
"Or what?" Mako's face pouted at him, shooting him through the heart. "You couldn't hurt me even if you tried. There is now way to combat life fibers any more and," she stood and walked over to the enraged Gamagoori, "no matter what, you could never hurt anyone who looks like your poor lost love." She gave an exaggerated sniff and brought his hand to her face, nuzzling into it. Mako's large eyes, wide and shining, looked up at him.
Gamagoori deflated, falling back into his chair. Nui giggled as he bowed his head forward in defeat. "Just go." He rasped, unable to look at the girl next to him. She placed a kiss on his cheek, causing him to stiffen, before she skipped from the room, slamming the door behind her. It was time for her to make a quick escape, but she didn't get very far. A hand grabbed her from behind and pulled her to the ground.
"R-Ryuko?"
The rage and tears in Ryuko's eyes was the last thing Nui saw.
xxx
"Gamagoori…" Satsuki came in from the other room where she watched the entire confrontation take place.
"Lady Satsuki." His voice was rough. "Thank you for…" The words trailed off.
"You're hurt." Waving over her butler with a basin of water with some clean cloth, Satsuki kneeled at his side, tenderly taking his hand. Gamagoori made no protest, just continued to stare at the empty seat across from him.
"I couldn't save her." He whispered. Satsuki looked up to see tears flowing down his face before he covered his eyes with his hand.
Nothing more was said between them.
Nothing could make it better.
I promise, next update (which is done, just need a title, haha) is happier. As always, prompt suggestions are welcome here or on tumblr (musicaljinx). Thanks for reading!
