Part VII: Fools Marched

"...Like I was telling you it was nothing like that…"

"I know , you said so about sixteen times already"

"It's just because you don't sound convinced the first time… and hey I didn't repeat myself that much!"

Nico and Eli are walking on their way home from Nozomi's apartment after a day of celebration and foresights. the evening is quiet as the street lamps and the early fullmoon shine upon them. As soon as they step outside the building, Nico began explaining what happened in the room when Eli stepped outside to take her phone call. putting emphasis on how she was caught of guard and how Eli should really be sorry for her instead.

"Why are you even keep on telling me this?" Eli said without looking at Nico.

"It's so just that you wouldn't misunderstand" Nico said in frustration.

"Alright alright, I believe you..." Eli said finally feeling Nico's efforts of getting through her

"Really? ...I see, then all is well then" responded Nico now back to her usual egotistical tone.

"You didn't really hate what she did right? I mean she's just teasing…" Eli said not wanting to let go of the subject

"It's not much of a big deal…" Nico replied while hiding her face; thinking back how her body reacted to Nozomi's touch "...it's Nozomi, the super sadist that enjoys harassing people anyway" she finished

"So you would hate it if it was someone other than Nozomi?" asked Eli who was also looking the other way.

"I won't if it were someone I love" Nico said simply

The two continued on silence, Eli being anxious of the dark walk so close to Nico their hands would sometimes touch "New beginnings and impulsiveness huh?" She thought to herself remembering Nozomi's fortune telling. Slowly after some intentional bumping to Nico's hand, Eli used her pinky to get a hold of one of Nico's fingers. Naturally Nico noticed this but they remained in silence. Eli was worried at first but she found it relaxing to be touching Nico even if it's just her finger. A smile was starting to show on her face when Nico suddenly let go of her finger, She looked at her and was ready to move away when the latter grabbed her hand tight, Eli was of course surprised by Nico's actions. "Does this mean she understands my feelings?" her mind is starting to go blank save that single question when Nico spoke about a new topic.

"It must be tough for Nozomi spending her birthday alone all this time" Nico said

"She doesn't have to now, we'll be with her always. Hey, maybe we all can celebrate your birthday next month!" Eli replied excitedly not letting the fact that they are still holding hands get to her head "... If it's fine by you that is"

"Sure, I would love to celebrate my birthday with you, I always have it with my family so I guess having it with you guys should be fun" Nico replied as excited as her

"Okay, I'll start planning it secretly with Nozomi now" said Eli

"Just make sure I have a wonderful gift and tons of fun okay?" said Nico gloating.

They went on with their conversation smiling and laughing all the while that they didn't notice that it was time for them to part ways when they found themselves in front of a forked path, Eli then let go of Nico's hand.

"See you at school tomorrow then?" She said as she wave her hand

"Yes, tomorrow" said Nico

"Tomorrow" Eli said again as she went left of the forked road Nico then went on her way to the right.

"I love Eli. I've always been worried that she won't ever return my feelings since she seems to like Nozomi before… am I mistaken, are they really just that close?" the thoughts clouded Nico's mind as she walk alone.

"I love Nico,. I've always have my doubts considering I had a little crush on Nozomi before… I am mistaken it seems, mistaken feelings of closeness and thought of them as love" Eli thought as these things finally became clear to her.

"Could it be that she loves me back?" a question they both ask themselves out loud in the lonely alley they are treading. "It's a bit sad walking alone" they both thought, "I must talk to her now."

Eli ran back to the corner where they separated to go after Nico but was surprised to find her friend already in the same corner hands on knees catching her breath. Both are at lost of words when their eyes meet and became once again trapped in that calming silence. "See you tomorr…" Eli was about to say when Nico grabbed both of her arms and pulled her into a kiss catching her open mouth. After their lips touched Nico pulled Eli's arms more and stood on her tiptoe making their kiss deeper. Eli on the other hand did not protest, this what they both want and she is happy to know that Nico feels the same way about her. She then felt Nico's hand letting go, their faces separate and Nico stood in front of her facing down, blushing.

"More…" Eli whispered as she hold on Nico's shoulders and pushed her gently to the wall. Nico then raise her head to meet Eli's eyes and after that close her's. In the darkness, Nico felt Eli's soft peck on her cheek, "You're so cute Nico-chan" she whispered close to her ear. The mere sound of Eli's voice saying things like that to her send shivers down her spine, she wants to be closer to her, closer.

"Eli…" Nico called to Eli, her eyes pleading as she bites her own lip. Eli then went on and kiss her again, this time on the lips, her grasped on other's shoulders become tighter as her tongue was let in Nico's mouth. Nico in turn played with Eli's tongue inside her massaging it with her own.

"Nico-chan, stick your tongue out" Eli whispered after letting go of the kiss for a while. Nico then just followed her, Eli didn't know where her courage is coming from but she then treated her partner's tongue to a soft bite. This made Nico let out a moan which she then cover up by locking lips with Eli once more. Eli's hand move to Nico's back and she then held her tight, while Nico embraced her neck forcing her mouth deeper.

The two went on kissing for a while but then run out of breath short after.

"Nico, I really have to get home now" Eli said awkwardly

"I see, you have that thing with your sister right? I need to get home too, see you at school" Nico said before breaking into a run leaving Eli with a big smile on her face. After a few yards, Nico turned to see Eli still standing where she left her waving her hand.

"I really should wash that pair of chopsticks now" Eli walked home thinking of a lot of things, in front of her doorstep she checked her phone and found two text messages.

"I am really happy today, I hope you feel the same… I really do love you"

-Yazawa Nico

"I have something I need to talk to you about, can you meet me at the student council room before class tomorrow?"

-Toujou Nozomi