Thoughts

Flashback

*sounds* / emphasis

*peeks around the corner*

I-I know this is waaay overdue than what I had said last time but life just catches up to me. Along with a few troubles. I'm most grateful for those who is still patiently waiting for the chapters.

*bows*

With that said...

Story:Start!

"So what are you going to do now?"

"I…probably should find a place to stay. Do you know if there are any cheap places?"

"Hmm… there's is one but…"

"Then I'll take it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I don't care where just a place to crash for a little while."

"Alright but you need to do some extra work if you're going to stay there."

"It's fine."

"... Then give me a few days."

"Thank you, Nishikino-san."

A certain red head is still mulling around her thoughts as she remembered to what she had said. She tousled her hair making it more of a mess than before. I did promise her a place and I'm not technically lying but… Frustrated she tried to focus on her paperwork; although again her mind is still thinking about the…problem.

It's been a few days already and she's healing up well. There shouldn't be any more problems but I should still confirm it before- *fuuuh*

"HYAAAAH!"

Her voice pitched higher than normal as she cover her ear while her culprit snickers. Cheeks tinted red she glared at her assailant for the crime that her wife had bestowed upon her, the redhead gives a little pout and turn to avoid her raven haired wife. The redhead knew that the raven-head was teasing and she knew that if she keep up the façade; her wife will whine and begs for her attention-

"Maaaakiiii-chaaan, come on I was teasing," –right on cue she was right but as a small revenge she kept on her façade a little bit longer. "Maakii-chaaan~ you were in your own world and I can't help it," Nico jested as she wraps her arm around her wife's shoulder though Maki heard the little whimpers underneath the raven's voice.

The redhead broke her façade and accepted her apology with a kiss. Now it is the raven's turn to pout but it was not for long. "So what got you thinking Maki-chan?" Maki shifted on her chair and pulled her wife to sit on her lap.

"Nico-chan, do you remember that time from Nozomi?" Nico raised her brow at the redhead questioningly as she leaned back feeling the warmth from her wife as she tried to move the redhead's arms around her. Understanding the silent request Maki wraps her arms around her raven-haired wife's waist and tucks said wife's head under her chin as she continues to elaborate her earlier question. "You know that time, when Nozomi said that she was searching for someone to help her take care of her house and the gardens?" Red-eyes lit up in recollection.

It was a few months after Nozomi decided to stay in Japan. She had approach the rest of μ's –sans a certain someone- if they knew anyone who could help her. They had visited her house so they knew that Nozomi could take care of the house however problem lies within the gardens. The garden was too large even with two people living in the house, it makes the couple wonder why Nozomi would choose a house with a massive garden. Honoka had asks Nozomi the same question and the only answer they were given was a cheeky "The cards had told me." But Nico being the 3rd closest important person to Nozomi and Maki as the closest person emotionally they understood what Nozomi meant, when she thought that no one will hear as she looked at the garden in melancholy.

"It reminded me of someone."

"I remember, I also remember that all of us objected to that idea. Who know what kind of creep is out there." Nico huffs indignantly. Maki hummed pensively as she nuzzles against the ravens neck. "But why did you ask? Did you find someone?" Maki nods. "I did but I think its fine. This person won't do anything creepy or anything. I think it might be the other way around if anything." Maki said the last lines to herself. "Fine but I want to know who this person is first before Nozomi accepts them."

"Don't worry you'll see."

At that Nico twist her head to look at her wife to demand an answer. Not that she managed to as the redhead suddenly kissed her. Her mind went blank and her answer have to wait until the next few days.

I can feel them staring…

Now they're whispering…

I tried to ignore all the stares and whispers from the young moms. With a sigh I leaned back to the tree as I wait for my…companion. The weather is scorching in the summer thankfully the tree had provided enough shade for me to cool down. Although that doesn't stop the whispers and stares that are directed to me, not that I can blame them. After all who is crazy enough to wear a thick hood and dark jeans in this sweltering weather?

.

.

.

Apparently I am.

And here I thought that with the hot weather there wouldn't be anyone in the park. I should've think this through.

The park is indeed wasn't empty as children from the nearby neighborhood played around the park. With another sigh I close my eyes and let my mind wander. The soft footsteps crunching the gravel as the children ran around, the whispers as the children's mother gossips, the sound of cars or bicycles that passing through all of them filled thoughts. As noisy as it was it is somehow calming.

Way calming than during…

.

.

I snapped of my thoughts as I heard another footstep, this time moving toward me before it stopped. Silence surround between us only the laughter of the children filled the silence. Without opening my eyes, I broke the silence.

"The park haven't changed at all huh?" a hum. Then I feel a presence beside me, I opened my eyes to see my redhead companion, her amethyst eyes taking in the small park.

"No, it haven't. However…" She glanced at me before looking back to the front, her face indifferent. "There are changes." Another silence filled between us.

As indifferent as she looks, her eyes reflect everything what she is feeling. The hidden questions. I avoided her gaze, acting indifferent myself. I can't give her the answer.

At least not yet… not until…

"A-anyway so where is the place that I will work, Nishikino?" a slight glare were given –which I return with a hard gaze- before a brief silence engulf us as the woman answered while she take in what I wore.

"Don't worry we'll get there…but first we're making a stop." All I can say was a confused, "Huh?"

(Time skip)

The car stopped in front of a house, the house looked average from the outside that I couldn't tell what the person living in the house needed help with. I closed the car door behind me and follow the redhead, instead of going from the front door she walked around to the side of the house.

Deciding to follow her, I then saw what they needed help with. Although Nishikino had told me what the job was I was perplexed as how big the garden is. The area is wide enough to hold a baseball match.

That wasn't the only thing that is amazing, the various kind of flowers that were planted varies, on one side there are sunflowers, blue and white anemones, pink hydrangeas, striking red roses, daisies and the most striking out of all the flowers are the lilies, Eucharis, Casablanca, Calla and more but what stood out of them all is this one single white lily. As if a spell has consumed me I walked slowly to it as if I was entranced. Before I could get anywhere near it however I saw a sudden movement from my peripheral vision and a voice called out to me.

"Hey you! Stop right there!" hearing the voice my body froze and I tried not to panic.

"Turn around and tell me what are you doing here." The voice demanded again. Reluctantly I turn around while looking down at my feet and yet somehow I couldn't let my voice out.

I knew who the voice belongs to there's no mistaking it but… AAAAAH kami-sama! Anyone! Someone help me! It can't end like this.

As if my prayers were heard, the redhead intersect. "Nico-chan, that's the person I was telling you about. The one who'll help with the garden." Glancing at the said woman under my hood I could the raven who always prided herself with idols have matured. The raven-head stood with her hands on her hips as she argued with the redhead. I couldn't help but smile. The two argued and it would've go on if it weren't for another voice to interrupt them.

"Now, now, you two calm down. Maki-chan, I thought ya' told her already? And Nicocchi, I can't have ya scarin' my new helper now."

Both of them replied but I couldn't careless, all I saw was the woman in front of me although I saw her before, however now with the woman right in front of me I could clearly see the changes, the one who used to be beside me when we were in high school, the mysterious lonely girl, the girl who bring μ's together, who is motherly to all of them and now she has grown.

The usual low twin tail has changed to a side braid, all those baby fats is gone leaving a much defined face, the girl –now a woman- had become so beautiful. I couldn't do anything but stare, I couldn't help but wonder if the girl that I knew had changed much more. I do not know how long I had been staring but before I knew it the said woman have come up in front of me. I can feel my brain is frazzled as I saw her face up close and my breath subtly hitched. Up close I can see what seemed to be soft and supple cheeks, those flush lips and her bright deep emerald eyes which makes me feel like I might get lost in the forest of emerald. Her lips is moving seemingly asking me a question but I couldn't hear, all I knew is I was entranced by the lush of emeralds and a single name ringing in my head.

Nozomi…

(Nozomi P.O.V)

I put down the tray of drinks on the table as I try to calm the bickering couple but of course that only manage to make the two argue more than before. They have already grown and married to each other and yet they still argues like they were still in high school. Seeing that the bickering couple is having their fun, I leave the two with their flirting and went move forward to the hooded stranger.

Curiosity filled me as I took in this stranger's appearance, even though the weather is fairly warm it is still hot outside and this stranger is wearing a black jeans and a very dark blue –almost black- hoodie, the hood seems to cover most of the face, although I couldn't tell since the person is looking down. As I got nearer I could tell that the stranger is tall, taller than an average person. Taking in the appearance and the heights, my guess is this person may be a male although I couldn't confirm my deduction until this person introduces themselves.

As soon as I stood in front of the stranger, they seem to be startled as they raise their head even then I still couldn't see their face. Trying to not startle the stranger anymore, I gently smiled. "Are you alright? I hope my friend didn't frighten you too much." No answer came as the stranger seemed to be in a daze. "Um, are you okay?" I moved closer and waved my hand in front of them however it doesn't seem to work. "Wait hold on Nozomi! She is just amazed by… the garden?" Maki says. "Let me try to snap her out of it."

So I stood back wondering and gazing.

.

.

.

Wait… did she said she?!

"SHE?!" Nicocchi asked (screeched) before I could ask Maki-chan any further and I am slightly thankful of that since I was still in shock. Still in disbelieve Nicocchi circle around the woman observing her before stopping. "Introduce yourself," was all she said. And I am the one who was supposed to inter-

It suddenly feel like a scene from a movie of some sort. The hood slowly came down and little by little the features are revealed at the same time a memory flashes.

Sharp and yet strong jawline.

Sharp and yet strong jawline.

Pale yet slight tanned skin.

Pale skin.

Long eyelashes.

Beautiful long eyelashes.

Short blond hair.

Long blond hair.

And lastly…

Ice blue eyes.

Aquamarine eyes.

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.

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"My name…"

.

.

"Eli Ayase."

"W-what?"

another reason for the lateness is I am currently making another story(not posted) i wanted to have a kick start for Aqours but I have no idea which idea i should go with(and I have a few). it's still in process. lol but anyways...

Thank you for reading~ my dear Frosties we shall meet again until the next chapter!

R&R!