"-And then, then my manager says 'I'm sorry Miss Yazawa, you'll have to do both photo shoots back to back. Then you have six magazine and radio interviews after that. We couldn't negotiate further.' Couldn't negotiate my ass! I'm not a robot, I have other things to take care of!"

Niko grumbled and raised her glass brimming with foam. Her slim, petite legs barely reached the resting bar on the stool. Nozomi sat leaning in, her chin resting against her palm. She frowned, her brow pinching as she watched Niko knock back the entire mug. Her tiny neck flexed up and down with each great gulp. Nozomi swirled her own drink and took a modest sip. Her nose recoiled at the bitter bite of the alcohol. Slamming the mug atop the bar counter, Niko's face was dyed a bright ruddy color. The spitting image of the devil himself. She slumped in her seat and sighed. Reaching over a hand, Nozomi gently ran her fingers through her raven hair. A whimsical smile spread across her face when she heard a groan. Niko lifted her face, her hair tousled and her glassy eyes crinkling.

"There there Nikkochi. It's quite an unfair handful, but you got through it didn't you? That's something to hold your chin up for."

"I still wish it had been on any other day but this one."

"It's part of your work, I can understand-"

"No it's not ok! I don't care if it's my dream by now it- it takes me from you."

Tears welled then spilled down her cheeks as she choked on her words. Shaking her head, Nozomi took Niko's dainty hands into her own. Niko sniffled. Through bleary eyes she looked up, her lips trembling. The buzzing bar patrons droned on like flies. Before Nozomi's stare however, the noise shattered to a thousand pieces in her ears. A storm rolled in her gaze. Her grip was firm.

"I knew what I was getting into. Don't you dare completely blame yourself. Don't cry dear, I won't stand for it. Especially not today."

"B-But-"

"Your own life and responsibilities come before me. Before anyone else. I want to be here. If I didn't you know I'd leave."

Sniffling again, Niko hung her head and slowly nodded. Her chest was seized by hiccups. The skin of her ears matched her face as she glanced away. Breaking their hold, Nozomi retrieved a handkerchief from her skirt pocket. Wiping the tears with gentle pats, she held it over Niko's nose.

"Blow, dear."

The cloth rustled as Niko obeyed. Carefully folding her handkerchief, she placed it, edges clean, back where it came. Tapping the counter, she called for the bartender. A woman with her hair tied in a messy bun strut forward at the signal.

"Yes?"

"We'll pay the bill now, thank you."

The bartender silently withdrew their glasses. Niko's head shot up and her mouth unhinged. It was stopped in seconds by Nozomi's finger upon her lips. She shook her head. Patting Niko's hands, she spoke softly.

"That's enough for you. We're going home."

"Mhm, ok."

Soon the money was exchanged, their bill cleared. On the bustling streets a chilly wind shot goosebumps up Niko's limbs. She shivered, throwing her arms over her chest. Hugging herself, she leaned against Nozomi. The strong whiff of liquor off her tongue made Nozomi's face crumple. Quickly Nozomi wrapped Niko in an embrace; propping her upright as her steps drunkenly wobbled. The summer night winds billowed and howled their strength. Niko's shivering became quivering, her teeth chattering, clacking together. At the blink of an eye, her shoulders were blanketed by Nozomi's trench coat.

"Come, I'll carry you the rest of the way."

"Nozomi, you don't have to strain yourself I'll be fine. I-I ain't weak! Oooh!-"

Before she could utter a word she was lifted into the air. Hoisting Niko onto her back, Nozomi held her legs in place. Adjusting the weight, she relaxed and looked over her shoulder. Smiling, she bared her teeth like a child. Niko's cheeks puffed. Tightening her arms comfortably around Nozomi's neck, she lazily nestled into the crook of her shoulder. Her words growled thick with frustration. She slurred her speech, the beer seizing it's vice around her veins.

"Y-yus shulda naht done dat. I's cahn walk ohn me ohwn."

"Not like that you can't."

"Ye I's cahn! I's shaw yus."

Nozomi giggled and stuck up her nose. Niko's fingers grasped and fumbled at the strands of Nozomi's hair. They proceeded in silence, block after identical block disappearing one after the other. The streetlights seemed to turn the city bright as day. Shielding her eyes, Niko groaned and squinted. Sweat trickled down Nozomi's forehead. Her breath came in ragged pants. Leaning her cheek against Nozomi's hair, Niko traced her fingers over her neck. Almost as quiet as a mouse her slurred words rolled off bursting a floodgate of pain.

"Nozohmi. Dids yus hahbe fun tooday? Wahs the yakiniku gud, and the cake? Dids I kiss yus enouhg?"

"Yes to all of those my dear Nikkochi."

"Ahms I a gud girlfriend? I's soh busy I's hate being aways. Ehbery taime I's see yus, is the only thing that relieves me. I loves singing. But I's loves yus more."

"You're the only girl I've ever wanted. Past, present, and future. You're the dearest there is and will be. I'd even conquer countries for you if you asked."

A pause. Niko replied.

"Now yus just bein silly. But thank yus."

"I mean it."

"Mhm. I love you, yus know."

"I do."

"Nos, I's wanna says it. Says it now before I-"

"Don't finish that sentence. We won't be driven apart."

"I love you. Happy birthday."