A/N: This fic was more of a spontaneous thing, I feel. I had been meaning to do a fic with these two based on the idea of Calliope holding Gura up, but then evolved when I stumbled upon a song by Demondice that just fits so incredibly well with Calli's feelings that it became incorporated into the fic, to the point it nearly matches the pacing. It isn't even a smut fic, which is quite the rarity for me, I'm sure you'll notice~
Overall something of a different style fic, but hope you enjoy all the same~
(Might be a second, lewd part to come, should I find the time to do it later down the line~)
We're All Made of Stardust
''Gah, why'd that take so long?!''
The frustrated exclamation preluded the hands that were thrown up in the air in exasperated frustration, the feminine voice ringing throughout the cool night air. The source of that voice was none other than Amelia Watson; the blonde detective-turned-idol marching out of Hololive's headquarters with a pout puffing out her cheeks, her raised arms swift to come back down and cross over her bust, petulant.
Calliope followed after her with an exasperated sigh of her own, though said exasperation was directed more towards Amelia herself than the situation they had just dealt with – namely a technical fault that messed up their streams a bit. Nothing major, but just a general annoyance, and one Amelia had the misfortune of having the last few streams. Behind her the forms of Kiara and Ina also emerged from the brightly-lit building, shoes tapping against the cool concrete street under them – the latter quick to tease Amelia over her technical troubles, earning petulant, overdramatic exclamations from the detective.
''Oi, you'll draw unwanted attention if you keep yelling...'' Calliope dryly said, but was ignored by the duo. Or heard, but Amelia was too busy ranting and Ina was too busy teasing her over that.
''Just let 'em~'' Kiara giggled chipperly. ''Hey, since we're all out here, why don't we go for dinner~?''
The thought of dinner instantly quelled the two shorter women, both mulling it over. That was until a fifth voice joined the group, higher-pitched and chipper.
''Sure!'' Gura stepped out into the cool night. ''Not chicken though. Ate way too much of that stuff last time we went to your fast-food place, Kiara...''
Calliope's flushed at the sound of the voice, her cheeks a little warm as she turned, glancing back at Gura even as Kiara squawked a little, the two playfully bickering a little. The short Atlantean bore a cocky grin on her lips as she fired back teasing quips at the phoenix, a swagger to her hips as she sauntered out into the street. It was only when Gura glanced up at her, an almost questioning glint entering her eyes, that she realised she had been staring a bit too much and hurriedly looked away – feigning rummaging around in her pocket as an excuse.
''Uh...'' Calliope tried to think. And failed. ''Tacos?''
''Tacos? Eh...'' Amelia waved a hand back-and-forth. ''Bit late for that. And cold too.''
''Italian?'' Ina offered. ''They opened one down-town. It's a very quiet place.''
''Ehh...''
''Sushi?'' Gura grinned as she spoke. ''Lots of sushi places we haven't tried yet!''
The group looked between themselves for a moment – and, in a heartbeat, Calliope answered. ''Yeah. Sushi. Sounds good.''
''I don't mind either way...?'' Kiara put her own vote up in the air.
Amelia and Ina'nis shared a look, before with a mutual shrug they agreed – Amelia being the one to speak. ''Sure. But can I go back and get a change of clothes and a shower first? The studio was way hotter than I expected.''
''Yeah, I'd like to grab a change too.'' Kiara tugged on her top a little with a sigh. ''At least Tokyo is cool at this time of year...''
Calliope looked between the four girls she had come to call her friends, mulling it over for a moment. ''Well... why don't we head back to our places, then meet up at mine? It's the closest to that sushi place down the road.''
''Sounds good~'' Amelia lazily approved, tugging on her jacket. ''Aight, see you girls in a bit~''
''Bye~''
''See ya~!''
One by one the five parted ways – Ina'nis hurrying a little to catch up with Amelia, the two chatting until they would have to part ways for their own homes. Kiara went the other way down the street, leaving Calliope to slowly follow in that direction... until a familiar voice made her stumble.
''Hey, can I go to your place?'' Gura asked her.
''W-What?'' The pink-haired reaper was startled by the simplistic question. ''I-I mean, uh... why? Not that I mind, but, well...''
Gura didn't pay her stuttering any mind, simply shrugging. ''I don't really need to get a change, and it'd be a pain to walk home just to walk to yours, so...?''
Calliope awkwardly shifted. ''Well, sure. I think my place is a bit messy though.''
''So's mine.'' Gura snorted, a cheeky smirk crossing her lips as she hopped up next to her; the two starting to walk in lockstep. ''Actually I think Ina's the only one who doesn't have a messy room. I wish I had tentacles too, they'd be a big help...''
''You have a tail.'' Calliope responded lightly, turning her gaze ahead.
Gura rolled her eyes. ''Yeah, and I can't pick up a mop with it. You seen her tentacles? She can wash, clean, do her hair and cook at the same time with them! It's totally unfair!''
The reaper couldn't help but crack a smile at the Atlantean's petulance. ''What about Bloop?''
''Eh...'' The reminder of her trusted companion made Gura scratch her cheek. ''I mean, no offence to him, but he isn't the best at much beyond cleaning stuff. Can't really pick stuff up either.''
Calliope hummed in acknowledgement, a lull entering the conversation as both just walked in silence. With the night sky hanging overhead it made for a peaceful trek; the air cool against her exposed skin as she gazed up at the sky above – just barely able to spot the stars as they passed under luminescent signs or brightly-lit store windows. The sound of cars thrumming by filled the silence between them, distant voices echoing down the dark streets, sometimes accentuated by a passing crowd of people.
Only a couple murmurs were shared between them as they crossed a number of streets, weaving their way through the winding streets of Tokyo – until eventually they reached her apartment building. It was a modest thing between a number of other apartment buildings and shops; the two slipping inside and ascending up the stairs to the second floor, two doors on each side next to the stairs. Manifesting her key into her palm with a languid application of magic Calliope slotted the key into the lock, a twist unlocking it.
''I'll probably just grab a change of clothes.'' Calliope said as she pushed the door open, leading Gura inside. ''Make yourself at home.''
''Thanks~'' Gura chirped out.
Calliope flushed at the sweet tune, mumbling something incoherent even to herself as she locked the door shut behind Gura. Her apartment wasn't the fanciest in the world but it was on the bigger side and suited her needs well; the walls a pale burgundy and the floor a nice black-white tile, making it feel fancier than it really was. Some paintings she found neat were hung on the walls alongside the occasional bit of gothic architecture, from the arched doorways to the little stone skulls she had placed on tables and work surfaces, alongside some skull candles to add to her flair. She'd gotten a few more fancy objects like a flat-screen TV and a piano, the latter mostly for her own amusement and practice, but otherwise it wasn't much grander than those of her fellow idols.
The hallway widened out into the living room with a separate hallway on the right side – one that Calli walked down, waving Gura off in the direction of the living room. Her heeled shoes carried her down it, the slow taps against the tile floor preluding the click of her bedroom door as she tugged it open. It was only once Calli had stepped inside and shut it firmly behind her that she allowed herself to relax; suppressed emotions bubbling up and colouring her cheeks.
'Gura's in my apartment.' The reaper mentally said to herself. 'Alone. With me.'
Calliope remained still for a second... before instantly covering her face with both hands on reflex, feeling the heat radiating off her own cheeks.
She wasn't blind as to why; she had a crush on Gura. It was a stupid thing, but she had always felt a sort of kindred spirit in the diminutive shark-girl. Despite her youthful appearance her eyes didn't lie, whether they be brimming with excitement or diluted with dismay; they were old eyes. Eyes that had seen thousands of years of things, good and bad, morally corrupt and generous beyond words. She'd seen death, dealt some of it too judging by how she could wield that trident of hers, and more than likely had those close to her fall to it too over the centuries. It was so easy to forget how truly ancient Gura was, especially compared to the likes of Ina'nis and Amelia, and especially compared to their friends at Hololive, many of whom weren't even in their first century, or would never live long enough to see a second.
Of course she never admitted it, and did her best to avoid hinting any such feelings towards the shark-girl, but it was eating at her. It was only fairly recently that Gura and Shion had jokingly talked about getting married – and even though Calli knew full-well it was just a joke, it still made her stomach twist a little with anxiety. She knew the grasp of time better than most, given her death-related duties, and how quickly it could rob people of opportunities.
A 'I love you' never said.
A 'marry me' unfulfilled.
Even a simple hug never again given.
The chances of Gura dying were low, whether it be from age or combat. However that didn't lessen the unease within Calliope, worried that something, somehow, would take her away. Or perhaps another might capture her heart – Ina'nis and Amelia were close with her too, and there was a chance either might ask Gura out on a date, forever denying Calli herself of not just a love, but of even getting to ask in the first place.
''Mn...'' The reaper slid her hands off her face, expression conflicted as she clutched a hand over her heart.
She knew what she should do. But she couldn't bring herself to.
''Hah...'' She exhaled a breath, stepping away from the door – almost idly stripping herself of her black dress, belts and buckles coming loose as she slipped out of her clothes.
Part of her wanted to just ignore the intrusive thoughts, to put it to the back of her mind like she always did and quickly get dressed, but they refused to leave her mind – slowing her movements as she took the time to ponder the thoughts swirling through her head. Ideas came to mind and were discarded with equal swiftness, none lingering in her mind for more than a breath's length, yet their notions remained like phantoms; egging her on, encouraging her, tempting her.
Pursing her lips Calli exhaled a more forceful breath. Her hands moved on automatic as she withdrew some clothes from her dresser, tossing on a white crop top over a sports bra and slipping a black-red jacket on over it. Matching pants were tugged up her legs and she slid a golden necklace around her neck a moment later, idly looking herself in her full-body mirror with a blush, toying with the necklace musingly. It jingled lightly as she twiddled with it, and most curiously the sound continued even when she let it fall back against her collarbone.
Calliope blinked, realising that no, it wasn't her necklace. It was her piano.
The notes were slow but high, ringing softly through the walls as they dinged one after the other – forming a gentle rhythm that she could appreciate. Gaze drawn to the door she stared for a moment, before then silently walking towards it; her door clicking open almost inaudibly, her footsteps similarly lost amidst the gentle dings of piano keys. She turned a corner, the hallway growing short and leading to the living room on the left and the kitchen on the right; the sound coming from the former, drawing her eyes to it as she peeked around the corner.
And found Gura sat on the duet bench in front of the piano. Her hood was down and her slim fingers daintily danced across the keys, eyes ahead on the music sheet before her – and as she paid more attention to the song Calliope recognised it as 'Faded', one of Alan Walker's songs she enjoyed playing on the piano. The gentle dings, contrasted by the deeper crescendos, followed a tempo that rose as the song continued, never becoming rapid or rough, but always maintaining a smooth tune that reminded her of mountaintops and open fields.
It was... peaceful.
It was perhaps because of that peacefulness that Calli found herself walking out from her spot behind the doorway, footsteps silent and undisturbing as she walked behind Gura, listening to her play. The song carried on, the shark girl shifting slightly as she reached over to play other notes, the dainty notes trailing off – until at last the music drew to a close, and Gura lifted her hands off the notes, a smile on her face and with wistful eyes.
''That was... beautiful, Gura.'' Calliope commented without really thinking about it.
''A-Ah?'' Gura jumped a little at the sound of her voice. ''Oh, Calli, didn't see you there, ehe... hope you don't mind me using the piano...?''
''It's fine.'' The reaper was swift to reassure her. ''I did say to make yourself at home. That said, I didn't know you were so good at playing the piano.''
''Heh, yeah. Bit rusty, but I learnt it from the greats~'' Gura twisted in her seat to face her, a tad smug as she thumped her chest. ''That guy taught me.''
''That guy...?''
''You know... that Italian guy.'' Gura's cheeks flushed a little, chuckling sheepishly. ''I uh... might've forgotten his name. He was pretty famous though. Not so much when he taught me, but he was pretty good.''
Calliope smiled lightly, having not one clue of who 'that guy' was, but decided she could figure out later. Her eyes flickered over Gura's sheepish frame, from the warmth in her cheeks to the cheeriness that lit up her visage... she looked so cute. Daresay, beautiful. Eyes a deep blue that gazed back at hers with still a tinge of wistfulness, whatever thoughts she had previously been pondering now fading away. It was then, gazing into those ancient blue eyes, that she got an idea.
''Hey, you can read music sheets, right?'' Calliope asked suddenly.
''Huh? Um, yeah. For the most part anyway.'' Gura seemed a little befuddled, but curious at the same time.
''Why don't we do a duet?'' Calli tentatively proposed – before then hurriedly tacking on; ''I-I mean if you want to. Just until the others arrive. I-I've been wanting- erm, meaning to practice anyway for a karaoke session and-''
''Sure.'' Gura casually cut her off, snickering when she blushed. ''Relax~ You don't have to get all shy with me, Kawaiiope~''
''A-Ah... um...'' Calliope's cheeks burned at the nickname. ''R-Right...''
Gura just grinned at her, thoroughly enjoying teasing her. At her request though she reached behind the stack of musical sheets, flipping through them until she found the one requested, slotting it into place above the keys and giving it a quick look-through. As she did so Calliope grabbed a microphone she'd left nearby; unplugged, but the familiar weight in her hand gave her some confidence, able to pretend she was just singing in front of a crowd... and not alone in her house with her crush.
''Alright~! Ready~?'' Gura chipperly asked her, peeking up at her.
''Yeah.'' Calliope drew in a calming breath. ''Go ahead.''
Gura nodded, and with a smile her fingers hit piano keys. Slow, sleepy keynotes fluttered through the air one after the other – and after a few moments, Calli sung.
''Remember that we're made of stardust~'' She drew the words out, lips closing as piano keys kept ringing sleepily. ''I say this just because~''
''It's something that you oughta know...'' Calliope gazed at the opposing wall. ''No escape, now or never~''
The beat picked up, becoming almost a blues. ''The reason for my singing never changing, ya see – is it for any other person on this planet but me~?''
''Singing just to try and feel good before I die; an egotist, self-satisfying hybrid~'' The reaper felt strength grow within her as she sung, feeling the beat resonate in her soul. ''Even so I'd like to sing to those that kept on listenin'~''
Calli glanced out of the corner of her eye, catching Gura's gaze and locking eyes with her. ''Comin' straight from my heart, arigato~''
She poured more emotion into that last word than intended, prompting her to hurriedly look away, focusing on the wall again. ''Even though my song is really not that loud at all I'm genuinely glad that it reaches, somewhere~''
''To be the sun and shed my light upon everyone-''
Gura smiled, whispering under her breath. ''Sunshine~''
Calli blushed, lips moving. ''I'm not sure I'm meant to play that part – but maybe I can find some meaning in trying to be like, the moon up in the sky; shining down to ease your twisted heart~''
The rhythmic tap of the keys carried her forth, pronouncing words with a flowing lilt. ''If you've been listening to me, secretly and nervously; afraid to step out into the light, whenever you think it feels right~''
''Feels right~'' Gura sang along softly, watching her.
''You might just find I'm waiting beneath the mirror ball.'' Calli sang back, shutting her eyes briefly. ''Why don't you dry your eyes? You're standing there all by your lonesome.''
''No need to be so afraid; now you'll be safe~''
''You and I session~'' Gura drew the words out.
''I'll wait for you~'' Calli glanced down at her.
''All we gotta do~'' Gura gazed back at her.
''Wait for you~''
''Confide in my tune~''
Calliope swallowed a quick breath, holding that gaze. ''And even though I'm probably not your 'picture-perfect' person; come to me, anytime y'know~''
Gura's cheeks coloured themselves pink and she glanced a little more towards the piano, embarrassed.
The reaper looked away too, feelings bubbling within her in tandem with the ever-so-fitting words. ''You're probably gonna wind up facing days of endless sorrow, cuz when it rains it pours and won't let up until tomorrow~''
''But listen to my voice and dry the tears from your face because it's a temporary, showcase~'' Calli drew the final words out – picking up the tempo in the next breath. ''Inebriated only by the sound of my song, any person any place can sing right along~''
''But see, it's foolish to keep on switchin' from feelin' down to 'smiling, happy' – that's just how I am!'' She put more emotion into it, resonating with it. ''I'm kinda sorta awkward and shockingly, hurt myself to shy away from words that I'm afraid to say...''
Another glance, another peek. She drew a breath, not pausing to let emotion grip her.
''Still caught up in a nonchalant, tight sort of knot – hey-ey-ey negative loop~'' Her pitch dropped briefly before rising back up. ''Honestly, the only way that I can stay alive; haphazardly and clumsily, I keep it all inside. Regardless if you ever find you're lacking peace of mind – look up to the moon in the sky!''
''Sky~'' Gura softly sung along.
''Why don't you dry your eyes? You're standing there all by your lonesome.'' Calli sung the chorus again, regaining some confidence. ''No need to be so afraid; now you'll be safe~''
''You and I session~'' The Atlantean chimed in, piano keys dinging along.
''I'll wait for you~''
''All we gotta do~''
''Wait for you~''
''Confide in my tune~''
Calli reached out, laying a gentle hand on Gura's shoulder. ''And even though I'm probably not your 'picture-perfect' person; come to me, anytime y'know~''
Gura's cheeks grew to a darker shade of red, her piano fingers slowing in accordance with the sheet. Calli followed suit, her voice slowing, words becoming musical exhales.
''This overwhelming sense of utter hopelessness; trapped inside a cage, like a songbird within your heart.'' Calli squeezed Gura's shoulder, gaze unfocused. ''Your life reflected in the candle burning, still connected ever-so-directly to the time that you have left. And it's burning fast.''
''But maybe if you found a way-''
''-to spread your wings, and fly away~'' Gura sung in tandem with her, duetting.
Calliope smiled, feeling warmth in her chest. ''Even in a planetarium with a fake sky, maybe that's alright. So I say yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah; singin' in the moonlight-light-light-light~''
''So I say yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah; singin' in the moonlight-light-light-light~'' She sung again, voice rising in pitch. ''So I say yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah; singin' in the moonlight-light-light-light~''
''So I say yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah; singin' in the... moonlight~''
Calli drew a breath, feeling Gura rest her head upon her hand as she continued in a soft tone. ''Honestly, sadly there's no guarantee, you can always come to me. So I'll leave this melody for you behind~''
''Fading back into the night, please before you leave my sight, I'd like to hear you say my name; you and I beneath the moonlight~'' Calli drew the word out passionately.
''Why don't you dry your eyes? You're standing there all by your lonesome.'' Calli sang the chorus once more. ''No need to be so afraid; now you'll be safe~''
''You and I session~'' Gura sung gently, still resting her head on her hand.
''I'll wait for you~'' Calli twisted her hand, cupping Gura's cheek with it.
''All we gotta do~'' Gura's cheek was hot against it.
''Wait for you~'' A thumb slid over it.
''Confide in my tune~'' Gura leaned into her hand.
''And even though I'm probably not your 'picture-perfect' person; come to me, anytime y'know~'' Calli lifted Gura's head a little, smiling down at her.
She ran her thumb over her lips. ''So I say yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah; singin' in the moonlight-light-light-light~''
Gura gazed up at her, blue eyes soft as she listened. ''So I say yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah; singin' in the moonlight-light-light-light~''
Calli felt warmth within herself. ''So I say yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah; singin' in the moonlight-light-light-light~''
Gura's eyes told her she felt the same. ''So I say yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah; singin' in the moonlight-light-light-light-light-light-light~''
Her voice trailed off, growing quiet as Gura's fingers slowed, the piano tunes fading away into silence.
The sound of their own breathing sounded so loud in the quiet, as if waiting for a pin to drop and break the silence.
Gura did that for them.
''You gonna kiss me or what?''
Calliope responded by diving down, mashing their lips together in a sudden, but not unwanted kiss. Gura grabbed her by her shoulders and pulled her more on top of her, deepening the spontaneous kiss with a muffled moan, tempting Calli to grab her underarms and outright pick her up more to her height. The shark-girl didn't mind one bit, their lips staying connected for as long as they had air to – and the moment they broke apart they were left gasping, chests heaving for air.
And then Calliope pulled her closer, their lips rejoining in a messy, passionate kiss. Gura groaned into it and bit her bottom lip, eliciting a light gasp from Calli and leaving her vulnerable to the tongue that pushed into her mouth, melting her gasp into an aroused moan and tempting her to fight back with her own tongue, the two tongue-wrestling. At the same time as they did that Calli pushed Gura against the nearest wall, helping support her weight as they just made out; feverish emotions bubbling over with each and every kiss.
Until soon the need to breathe forced them apart, panting heavily and with lips hanging just inches apart.
''I love you Gura.'' Calliope confessed breathlessly, resting her forehead against the shark's. ''I really do...''
''Heheh...'' The Atlantean chuckled sheepishly, grinning brightly. ''I love me too, you know~?''
''Gah- hey!''
Gura's ringing, cheery laughter cut Calliope's embarrassed squawk short. ''I'm kidding!''
A more sincere smile then spread across her lips, her cheeks rosy. ''I... love ya too. Never got around to sayin' it 'cause I thought you and Kiara were... y'know.''
Calli shook her head slightly. ''No, no... we're just friends. Always have been. A-And what about, Ina and Ame...?''
''They're dating.'' Gura revealed with a sheepish chuckle. ''I walked in and caught them uh... let's just say using Ina's tentacles creatively.''
''Oh.'' Calli's cheeks burned scarlet. ''Aha... I-I see...''
Gura chuckled in agreement, the two lapsing into silence. After a moment Calli realised she still had Gura held up by the underarms and hastily apologised, lowering her newfound lover to the floor – only to yelp when Gura grabbed her by the front of her top and pulled her down to her height.
''And just for reference.'' Gura smirked as she spoke. ''I kinda like it when you pick me up like that.''
''A-A-Ah... i-is that so...'' Scarlet hues darkened across Calliope's face.
''Pfft-!'' The shorter girl couldn't hope to contain her laugh. ''Your face! Hahaha~!''
Gura's uproarious laughter, however, stuttered to a stop as knocking echoed at the front door – reminding them both that the others had been set to arrive. Both remained frozen until more knocking came, and with rosy cheeks Calliope hurriedly rushed out of the living room and through to the entrway, opening the door with haste.
''H-Hey!'' Calliope tried and failed to act normal, smiling too-brightly as she laid eyes on Amelia, Ina'nis and Kiara. ''Uh, sorry, was busy putting my necklace on. Come in, come in!''
Amelia and Ina'nis chirped a thanks and entered, but Kiara wasn't buying it as easily – gazing at her inquisitively, a cute frown to her face. It was when Gura walked out of the living room, however, that Kiara realised what was 'off'; bringing a bright, almost broad grin to her lips. Calliope blushed and waved her arms hastily, hoping to not alert Amelia and Ina'nis too, but the movement unintentionally drew their attention onto her.
All eyes went form her, to Gura. Her, Gura.
Amelia was the first to vocalise it. ''You guys didn't, like, bang while we weren't here, right?''
''W-What?! O-Of course not! N-Not that we would, I mean why would you even suggest that I-'' Calliope nervously tried to laugh it off. ''I mean uh... no, no we were just playing piano~''
''And kissin'.'' Gura shamelessly interjected.
''G-Gura?!''
''Ahh, so you two are a couple now~'' Ina warmly smiled, clapping her hands together. ''Congratulations~''
''About time.'' Kiara cheerfully wrapped an arm around Calliope's shoulders. ''Now how about we go get some sushi now~? You can tell us all about it when we're there~''
At that Calliope could only moan and hang her head, face practically luminescent red as her friends all led her outside, snickering at her embarrassed self.
Not helped when Gura smugly walked next to her and licked her lips, shark teeth gleaming in the dim light.
Whether she was eager for sushi, or something else, Calliope could only fantasise.
[END]