Riko's fingers slid over her keyboard for what seemed like an eternity. The notes softly filled the room, bouncing all around her in a symphony of melodic pieces, yet none of them felt right.
She had been trying to come up with the perfect arrangement to showcase at her performance in a couple weeks, but she couldn't get the ending down. It was as if she had cooked a large curry only to be missing the one spice to make it perfect. A strange analogy to tell her boss who was sending her email after email, but it was the only way she could explain herself.
Lost in her thoughts of harmony, a sudden tap was quick to put everything on hold. Only one person felt like a spark of electricity from a simple touch.
Turning around, honey painted eyes met with ocean blue ones. You smiled at her, and like usual, tapped Riko's nose as soon as she turned to face her. Her face was always far too serious when she worked.
Taking her hands off the keys, Riko turned to face her wife, a bit surprised to see her. You didn't visit too often when she worked
A soft smile painted You's lips while her head tilted to the side. The slight waves of her silver hair were still so prominent even after all the years of damaging it in the chlorine filled pools. Every little thing from the sun kissed freckles across her cheeks to the slight scar on her eyebrow screamed beauty in Riko's eyes. Even the skin painted hearing-aid You so desperately tried to hide with her hair always, in a way, felt like home.
"What are you doing?"
Riko asked out loud, subconsciously making sure her actions were enunciated for her wife's understanding. You read Riko's lips before shrugging her shoulders. She leaned back on her heels, similar to a child, before raising her hand to sign in response,
'Bored.'
Riko giggled at her expression that followed as You slightly pouted with her word. You's attention span never did last long for certain things, especially when winter had long reared its ferocious head. Leaving You stuck indoors with minimal activity was just about a death sentence for the active girl.
Before Riko could get up to see what she could do to fill You's time, she was stopped by the raise of her hands.
'Can I listen?'
That was a thing of theirs, ever since they were younger. You always wanted to hear what Riko sounded like, from her music to her own voice. When Riko was first asked that question from You she didn't know how to respond. It was awkward and bumpy but then she realized years later that You just wanted to be near her when she was doing something she loved.
Though the gesture was with the best intentions, Riko still never felt secure in her pieces. However, the way You patiently waited for an answer every time, bright eyes filled with curiosity, it became quite difficult to deny any request that fell from her. Riko sunk down in her seat, slightly turning away in embarrassment from You as her hands did the talking,
'Okay, but it's still a work in progress. It's not very good.'
Riko tried to briefly explain but You only tiredly smiled, as if she hadn't heard the same answer for the past couple of years. And just like You, she gave the same answer as well,
'Liar'
Riko fathomed an exaggerated look of shock, earning a slight giggle to escape You's lips. Sticking out her tongue to tease Riko, You smiled with her actions. Riko never believed in a lot of things she did, despite always being great in every way. But even You knew every person had their own insecurities.
Riko pouting out at You. Teasing was always in her nature. As Riko scooted to the side, she made room for her love to sit right by her, as always.
Taking a seat, You's head fell to Riko's shoulder as she watched her fingers do wonders with the keyboard. With each note Riko hummed along, letting You feel the slight vibrations against her as her chest rose up and down in her breaths, making sure to pause for even the slightest staccato. All for You to understand her piece better.
The habit took a while to get down as Riko was used to being alone when she practiced. Now, even when she performs in her concert halls, she still hums her melody, just as if You was right there.
With each stroke of her fingers Riko's song came to its end and though it was all over the two lovers stayed leaning on one another in silence.
"I love it."
Riko jumped up as she heard those words, surprised at the sudden noise to break their quiet atmosphere. The voice was scratchy, obviously not used in such a long time, but it was still so familiar in the back of Riko's mind. You turned, confused at Riko's sudden shock, before realizing she was what scared her. Quickly, You sunk down slightly before signing out,
'Sorry. Was I too loud?'
Shaking her head, Riko slightly laughed at her own reaction. She must've looked like a frightened cat with You being so concerned. Rubbing her hand behind You's back, Riko said aloud,
"No, I just haven't heard you in a long time."
You began to blush at an intense rate. She knew Riko meant well but that didn't stop her mind from thinking the worst.
'I know. I sound weird.'
And just like that they were back to jumping between signing and speaking. While they both used the method they were most comfortable with, it was always nice to see one step out of their comfort zone for the other.
As You's hands finished her signing she placed them over her burning face to cool its rise in heat. She wasn't actually sure how she sounded, as she hadn't heard her own voice since she was a child. Though she was told she spoke normally it was still a road she didn't enjoy to tread upon.
Riko grabbed You's hands though, taking them away from her face and towards her own chest. Seated on the bench together, she spoke softly for You to feel her words,
"You sound great. I love your voice."
You's lips trembled with Riko's words. They were simple words Riko could tell her any time she would ask, but it still made it all the more special when it came from her heart. Leaning forward and placing her chin on Riko's shoulder, You leaned into their touch.
"I love you."
As Riko heard You's voice once more she too held on a bit tighter to her love. Both their faces blushed brightly as they could feel their smiles against both of their skin.
Riko backed away, letting her hands rest onto their touching thighs before swiftly moving forward, pressing a quick kiss to You's lips, catching her off guard. You's eyes widened dramatically before she saw a bright Riko smiling at her.
"I love you too."
