Good day to you all.

"Blah" — Speech

"Blah" — Speech in another language

'Blah' — Thoughts

[ Blah ] — Text

*Blah* — Sound effects in speech

(Blah) — Author's notes

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters of Love Live! School Idol Project. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Home at Last

Beep

Beep

Beep

"Unn," Nico bleary opens her eyes to see a whole ceiling in front of her. She rubs the left side of— 'Wait what?' She pats the area to feel skin. The idol turns her head around and stops at a wondrous sight; Nozomi has her head on Eli's shoulder. 'Wow,' Nico forgets everything and stares at them for forever.

It does not last as the purple-haired guard twitches and opens her eyes. "Mnn," She rubs her face and her eyes focus on the idol, ""Nicocchi?"

Nico waves her hand, "Hey—" Cough Cough

Nozomi moves fast and offers a cup of water to the idol, "Here Nicocchi."

Nico takes it and gulps it down. "Ahh. Thanks Nozi." The moment Nico puts the cup down on the table, Nozomi pounces on Nico, "Wha—"

Nozomi squeezes the idol, "I'm so glad you're okay."

Nico slowly pats Nozomi's back, "There there." The idol looks to the side to see Eli already up and standing; Eli is biting her lip and looking anywhere but here. "Eli?"

Eli wipes that look off of her face and quickly smiles, "Nico."

Nico blinks, 'I think I'm more tired than I thought.' Nozomi stops her snuggle-fest and steps to the side while Nico keeps her arms open, "C'mon it's your turn now." Eli walks over to bend down and hug Nico. "It's so great to see you two again."

"I agree." Eli reluctantly separates from Nico.

With everyone up, Nico looks around the white room; she's on a bed and there is a TV on the wall in front of her. "Where am I?"

"You're in Maki's hospital," Nozomi answers.

"Maki's hospital..." Nico mutters. She looks at them. "Are we in Japan?"

Eli nods, "Yes. What was the last thing you remembered?"

"I remembered we were in a helicopter." Nico looks at the tubes attached to her arm. "How long have I been asleep?"

Eli hesitates, "Two days."

Nico's eyebrows shoot up, "Two days?"

"We just wanted make sure you were alright."

Her questions were shoved to the side when Nico sees her face on the TV. She points at it. "Hey turn that up."

Nozomi looks at the direction and picks up the remote to turn up the volume. The prime minister's face shows up:

"From the deepest of our hearts, I again would like to thank the men and women of Sphera for saving Nico Yazawa. We are truly grateful for your actions. I would like to invite the CEO of Sphera, Alice Murgatroyd, to Japan to personally thank you..."

"What the hell?" Nico turns to Eli and Nozomi. "How come you girls weren't mentioned?"

"Well..." Nozomi glances at Eli who nods them. "We made an agreement with Miss Murgatroyd that they take the credit so we can use their resources to save you."

Nico holds her hand up. "Wait wait wait. Let's start from the beginning."

The guards drag the chairs closer to Nico's bed and sat down. Eli coughs into her hand. "To start off..."

One long explanation later...

"Holy shit," Nico stares at them. "You did all of that?"

Eli nods her head. "We were very fortunate that Miss Murgatroyd offered her company."

"Speaking of Alice, how is she doing? I'm pretty sure the authorities didn't like to be kept in the dark like that."

Eli nods her head. "They weren't happy that Alice withheld information from them. But they couldn't really do anything since they are a private company and became the hero to the people when they saved you."

Nozomi tilts her head. "Last we heard, she is building a base in Egypt."

"Huh," Nico lies back on the bed. "She gained a lot from this." They lapsed into silence save for the consistent beeping.

The door opens and Maki walks inside the room. She looks up from her notes and pauses, "Nico. You're awake."

Nico waves at her. "Yo doc." The idol watches as the doctor walk closer to the bed. "I thought you would be here sooner."

"This is the usual time I check up on you." Maki picks up the clipboard from the hospital bed. "I would have been here sooner if somebody—" Maki glances at Eli and Nozomi, "—would have told me that you were awake."

Eli dips her head while Nozomi scratches the back of her head.

Maki shakes her head and focuses back on Nico. "How are you feeling? Any problems?"

Nico shrugs, "Tired."

Maki shifts her focus to the left side. "Has the scar been bothering you?"

'Oh right.' Nico reaches to the left side of her face to touch the scar. "How bad is it?"

"We made sure that the wound is not infected. Whoever did the treatment knew what they were doing." Maki sighs, "But since they didn't have proper equipment the scar will remain."

"Can I get mirror?"

They look at each other and Maki moves to the table; she opens the lid to take out a handheld mirror. "Here."

"Thanks." Nico turns the mirror toward her face; she sees the healed cut from the top of her brow to the top of her cheekbone. She closed her left eye and the line connects. "Huh..."

"I can offer surgery if you want."

Nico sees their worried faces at the corner of her eye; she puts the mirror down, "What are you implying Maki?"

"I-It wasn't—"

Nico smiles, "I'm just playing. I think it looks fine." 'I hope my fans will agree.'

"I-Sure." Maki then continues the rest of the check-up. After that she walks to the door and opens it, "You can talk to her now."

"Who—"

Alice walks through while her guards remain near the door, "Good afternoon Nico. It is good to see you awake."

Nico is blown back at the appearance, "H-Hey Alice. How are you doing?" She looks at Maki who shrugs and takes out her phone.

Alice takes a seat that was placed on the other side of Nico's bed, "I am doing well."

Nico plays with the bed sheets, "So uh what's up?" Nico remembers the TV, "Oh. Are you here to visit the prime minister?"

"Oh that? I can go at a later time." Alice tilts her head to Nico, "No, I came to see how you are doing."

"O-Oh? Well," Nico looks down on her covered body, "Maki says I'm fine and I feel fine."

"That is good to hear. Now the main reason I am here is to tell you about the Brotherhood."

Nico tenses, "...What about them?"

Alice smiles, "I can say with great confidence that we are in the process of eliminating every Brotherhood cell around the world."

"How?"

"The base in Egypt had sensitive information with locations on their remaining bases. You can rest easy now Nico. This incident will not happen again."

Nico relaxes her shoulders, "That's good. So what have you been doing lately?"

Alice folds her hands, "I came back from a contract deal with Egypt. They were truly thankful to us for taking care of the Brotherhood."

"Wow you're going places." Nico smiles, "You're like a superpower for hire." Nico leans forward, "Does the Number 1 idol get a discount?" Alice covers her mouth as she laughs. Nico looks at the Sphera guards and smiles; they look in shock as they stare at their boss. 'Nice.'

Alice recovers and smiles, "I am flattered but I think your guards would not like it."

'Oh shoot.' Nico turns to Eli and Nozomi with her hands out. "It's a joke."

Nozomi pouts, "How mean Nicocchi." But Nico can see that glint on her eye.

"Well," Alice looks at her watch, "I am afraid I must be on my way." Alice stands up and nods at Nico, "It is truly good to see you well."

Nico waves at the blonde, "Thanks for everything Alice."

She offers a card to Nico, "If you need anything you can call me." Alice bids her farewells and leaves the room with her guards.

After a few moments pass by Nico looks at the others, "So that happened."

Nozomi shakes her head, "I'm impressed you can talk to her like that."

Nico puffs her chest, "What can I say? I still got it."

BANG

Nico jumps while the two guards move in front of the bed, "What the—"

"Nico don't leave us!"

"Huh?" Nico watches as the rest of Muse fill the room.

"We are truly sorry that—"

"We can do better—"

"Is it because I took—"

"STOP!" Nico has her arms in an X position. "Jesus it feels like I fell into a babbling brook. Now can somebody tell me what is going on?"

Rin has her phone out. "Maki told us you wanted to make a deal with Sphera."

Nico turns to Maki who pocketed her phone and is looking at her notes. 'That little...' Nico smiles, "I wasn't being serious. It was a little joke." They all sigh after that.

Nico barely got a breath in when another party showed up at the door. "Nico!"

Nico's eyes widen, "Mama! You guys!" Her mom and siblings rush into the room to dog-pile on her body. "Oof." Nico looks around to see many familiar faces. "It's good to see all of you again."

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.

3 Days later...

"Damn this place looks like crap." Nico looks over her house to see weeds growing everywhere.

"We didn't ask anyone to look after it." Nozomi comments as she and Eli take some grocery bags from the car.

"I hope the inside isn't too bad." Nico fishes out her new key and opens the front door. She walks in the house and touches a table; it was layered with dust. "Urrgh." She then goes into the kitchen to open the refrigerator. She turns her head to the side. "Holy shit that smells horrible." She closes the doors and walks to the side to reach for a cupboard.

The idol got on her toes when Nozomi's head pops in. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Aw c'mon," Nico drops her hands to her sides. "I should be able to do this at least."

Nozomi smiles, "Nope. Maki says no strenuous activities." She nudges Nico to the living room. "Now sit while we clean. Umi, Rin, and the others will come later when they finished shopping."

"Urgh fine mom," Nico grins as she plops herself down on the couch. She watches Nozomi leaving through the front door and then she pulls out her phone. 'Let's see what I missed out.' Nico spent the next 10 minutes looking through news articles. 'Damn it my rank went down.' She catches movement and looks at the reflection of the TV to see Eli; she quickly turns away and walks out of the door. 'Weird.'

Every time Eli comes into the house she would quickly get out or avoid Nico. 'Okay this is getting out of hand.' She waits until the blonde comes in and she pounces on the guard. "Okay Eli what is going on?"

"I-What?" Eli avoids looking at Nico's face.

"Don't tell me what. You're avoiding me."

"What are you talking about? Anyway I need to finish cleaning." Eli moves to the side.

Nico grabs Eli's hands, "Did I do something? Please tell me what's going on."

Eli finally looks at Nico; her eyes trail to the left and Eli's face crumples. "I'm so sorry."

Nico's grip goes slack, "Huh?"

She drops to the floor and covers her face with her hands, "I'm so sorry I'm so sorry I'm so sorry..." She continues to repeat that phrase.

"Whoa!" Nico panics, "I-Um-" 'What do I do?'

Nozomi comes through the door with bags, "Elichi whats- oh no." She drops them and kneels next to Eli "Eli. Eli listen to me." Nozomi rubs Eli's back. "Breathe in. Breathe out." They go through for several painstakingly moments. "It's not your fault. Nico's safe and here."

Nico bites her lip. "Nozomi?"

The guard looks up and sighs, "She blames herself for being the reason you were kidnapped."

'Oh.' Nico remembers that moment with the old guy. 'Oh.' Nico kneels down and places her hand on Eli's shoulder; the blonde flinches but stays still. "Eli..." Nico works her mouth, "What happened happened. No one could have expected this." Eli slightly relaxes, "Eli. Look at me." Eli slowly drops her hand and Nico smiles, "I'm fine."

"...I missed you."

"Me too." Nico kisses Eli's forehead. "And you too." Nico brings Nozomi closer and kisses her forehead. She places her forehead against Nozomi's head while she hugs Eli. "We have a lot of time to make up for it."

"Nicocchi..." They stayed huddled together for some time.

Eli is the first to move from her position; Nico and Nozomi move to give Eli space. The idol watches as Eli stands up and massages her knees, "You good?"

Eli rubs her eyes and nods, "I'm doing better. Thank you Nico."

A car pulls up on the driveway and Nozomi jogs to the door, "It's the others."

"We should finish cleaning," Eli walks outside with Nozomi.

Nico starts to walk—

RING RING

"Huh?" Nico picks up her phone to see Ryu calling. She answers the phone, "Hey Ryu."

"Hello Nico. I'm sorry I couldn't visit you."

"It's fine. So what's up?"

"There are rumors of you retiring and the investors are getting nervous."

"What? Where did that come from?"

"Most likely the picture of your face."

Nico looks at the mirror and touches her scar. She narrows her eyes, "No way that's happening. What should I do?"

She hears some rustling on the other side, "You should do a conference. Dispel these rumors and let them know you're here to stay."

"When's the earliest you can set one up?"

"Six Days."

"Nico?" Nico turns around to see everyone from Muse; Hanayo raises her eyebrows, "What's going on?"

"I think people forget that I'm an idol," Nico smiles, "Ladies. It's time to work."

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.

Nico watches from a door as countless people fill up the room. She sees journalists and translators from different parts of the world. 'Thanks Alice.' She called the boss of Sphera for a little favor to get them here in Japan.

"Here Nico." She turns back to see Eli, Nozomi, Umi, and Rin waiting for her; she focuses on Rin who is holding an earpiece. "This is what the translators will use to help you."

Nico accepts the piece and puts it in her ear. "Thanks Rin."

Nozomi's eyes flicker to her scar. "Are you sure about this?"

"Of course," Nico points at her scar. "I'm not going to hide this. It's going to be my charm now."

Nozomi nods, "Okay. We're with you Nicocchi." The other guards nod as well.

Nico smiles, "Let's do this." Nico opens the doors and her guards follow after the idol. Instantly cameras flash at Nico as she struts to the center. People started to clamor and try to get Nico's attention but she continues her way to her chair. She waits a few seconds before raising her hand and the room goes silent. "Months ago I was kidnapped by the Brotherhood. But thanks to Sphera I'm here safe and sound. Now I'm sure all of you have question so..." Nico leans forward, "Who wants to go first?"

Hands rose up to the ceiling.

Nico takes her time before she picks one. A middle-aged woman stands up and asks her question; it took a while as Nico listens to her translators: "What was it like being held captive by them?"

Nico takes a while, "Well it wasn't exactly great. The place was all dusty and they had crappy services." That got some chuckles. "But it was really hard being alone in some random place. But I stayed strong and didn't give them the satisfaction to see me weak." The woman nods and sits down. "Next."

A young man stands up, "Did you ever find the reason they took you?"

Nico's eyes dart to Eli but she quickly looks back at the man and shakes her head, "No. They didn't speak in a language I knew and I think they weren't keen on telling me anything."

The idol picks a young woman this time, "Did you see the face of their leader with the black beret?"

Nico resists the urge to raise her eyebrow, 'I thought Sphera would release the information?' But Nico shakes her head, "No he would wear a mask every time I saw him."

Another young man stands up, "How did you get the scar?"

"They threatened me and I resisted." Nico traces the scar, "This is the result."

A fellow countrywoman stands up, "Are you going to retire?"

"No." Nico stands up, "I'm not going to let it stop me from becoming the Number 1 Idol in the Universe. And besides, idols don't retire." Nico winks with her left eye, showing the scar in full display, "Nico-nii is here to stay."

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Nico's house...

"That took forever." Nico undoes her pigtails and fluffs out her hair. "Hopefully that will clear things up." She looks at her phone, "You two want to eat anything?" There is no answer. "Hey-" Nico turns around to see the two of them staring at her, "W-What's up?"

Eli and Nozomi then look at each other for a moment before Eli steps forward. "When you were... gone, we realized how much you meant to us."

Nozomi moves closer to them. "We had a lot of time but the both of us have made a choice." Nozomi presents a box to Nico.

Nico stays silent as she accepts and cradles the box in her hands. She carefully opens it to see two earrings inside; one has a sapphire gem while the other one has the turquoise gem. She looks up at them, "Isn't this...?"

Eli nods, "The bracelets were broken but we were able to save the gems. We asked a favor from Alice to have it fixed and fitted onto those earrings." Eli stands by Nico's left side, "We want to stay by your side forever."

Nozomi stands by Nico's right side, "Will you let us?"

Nico feels tears streaming down her face as she cups her mouth. She jumps up and hugs both of them, "Yes!"

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And Fin.

This is it! Just a few more chapters to go. Not much to say or note so see you all later and have a good day.

Thanks for reading

Constructive criticisms are appreciated

Bravo Tango out.