Reimei Drops

"Rin-rin, thanks again for coming all this way!"

"Don't mention it, Reiji. As the one who composed your song, it's my duty to come to your recording as well," smiled Catarina.

"Aww, Rin-rin!" Reiji exclaimed, warmed at her words.

"Still," Ai chimed in, "it has been pouring hard outside. So, you have our gratitude."

"But kid, you shouldn't push yourself too hard. You look like you've got things in your mind," the silver headed rocker pointed out. 

"Ran-Ran is right! You're not too stressed with work, are you?" Ai nodded, agreeing to Reiji's words.

"I'm not pushing myself." The blonde female's lips turned into a pout, hand on her hip. "Mou, why do you all sound like three versions of troubled Camus-nii?"

"Excuse me?" came from the said count. A look of disapproval for the comparison was evident in his face. "Cease your absurd comparison, Catarina."

The one to quickly join Camus in his sentiments was none other than Ranmaru. "Yeah, as if I'd ever give you this guy's impression."

When the former felt the latter's finger pointing at him, he scoffed. "The same words back to you, dandelion head."

"You wanna pick a fight, damn aristocrat?"

"Okay, that's enough." The sound of Catarina's hands coming together loudly echoed in the room. See? Why don't you two agree that you're the ones who are the most similar? Before things could escalate into their typical bickering, the woman present changed the topic.

"The point was, I'm fine. I'm just thinking about how to make HEAVENS' latest album the best album. So yeah, don't worry. I won't faint from overworking like before, if that's what you're worried about."

After saying all that in a single breath, "Anyways, I'll be taking my leave. See you guys later." Waving her hand, she got up to leave before getting interrupted.

"Wait, I'll drop you off," cut off her brother.

"You will?" Ecstatic to be able to spend more time with her sibling, she beamed. "Thanks!"

And so, the siblings from Permafrost headed to Raging Entertainment while Camus drove.

"You shouldn't ponder too much, Catarina. You're my sister. There is no way that you cannot achieve your goal," admonished Camus. That's your way of showing concern and giving strength, isn't it? The corners of her lips tugged upwards.

"I'm happy that you think so, Camus-nii."

Silence followed. It was then when the car paused at the traffic signal that the male opened his mouth, the subtle hint of his hidden earnestness behind his icy blue eyes, "....A smile suits you best indeed."

Looking back, those two had come a long way from their lonely past, hadn't they?

.  . .  . . .  .

It was only Catarina who was awake at the time of daybreak.... was what she thought.

"Shion?" She called the albino boy when she saw him coming down the stairs. It had been a few days since Eiichi and her had moved back into HEAVENS' penthouse temporarily.

"Rin," Shion acknowledged her presence, "good morning."

"Good morning." She decided to voice out her query. "It's not everyday that you're up at this time, Shion. Is there something wrong?"

The said boy shook his head, drowsily. "Amakusa longs to see nature. Would you like to join me, Rin?"

"Sure." Completing her morning tea, she followed her friend.

The place Shion ended up bringing Catarina was a park not far from their agency. He guided her to a place further into the meadow.

"This is Amakusa's new favourite place."

"Wow...." If she closed her eyes, she could truly feel the nature. The crisp morning air, though somewhat cool, felt nice against her skin. The birds singing in the greenery echoed around them. ...This place is as serene as Shion's heart.

"Do you like it?" Shion played with a tiny green bird that flew around him.

"Very," she replied, smiling at the adorable sight. The sky after the rain was clear. Rays from the sun rained upon the meadow, making the dew drops on top of the leaves sparkle. "I feel very calm.... as if all my worries have been melted away."

The answer made him smile faintly. "I want to bring the angels here. Those who have supported me, I want to present them with this scenery. . . . and protect their smiles and hopes."

"Shion....." You've been thinking about your fans so earnestly.

"So Rin," now that the bird flew away, he turned to the person beside him and held her hand tenderly in his own, "I want to ask you a favour. I want you to help me convey these endless feelings of mine through music. Will you lend me your help?"

"That goes without a question," she put her other hand over his firmly, "I promise you, Shion, I'll give you exactly what you want."

The smile that had bloomed on Shion's innocent face made her heart full to the brim.

A song as gentle as the sound of morning dew drops descending from the sky.......that's perfect for Shion. 

Morning in the Sky

"Hnngh...."

Perhaps it was the lack of Catarina's warmth that awoke Eiichi. Turning to his side, he found that side of the bed empty. Swiping a hand over her side, he found it cold.

Knowing her, she most probably woke up to work. "...It's only six thirty though." He wanted to cuddle with his dear wife but unfortunately, his wish was impossible at the moment. Well, he might as well get up for his morning radio show.

While coming down the stairs, Eiichi was greeted with the sound of piano. The soft melody of the piano soothed his mind while he entered the kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee.

"Oh..." He noticed that Kira's cup was missing. As well as Catarina's. Right, it was Kira's turn for their solo songs.

"Eiichi...good morning." While Eiichi was brewing his coffee, Kira entered the kitchen, his empty mug in his hand.

"Good morning, Kira. . Shall I make another cup for you?" The raven nodded.

The sound of piano tiles still rang in the background. That must mean Catarina was the one playing the peaceful melody. They must've been working on Kira's solo.

And, he was right. When the two males entered the lounge area, music sheets were scattered on the coffee table. Feeling their presence, the blonde woman ceased playing and turned her head around.

"...Ah Eiichi, good morning." She greeted her husband with her usual smile.

"Good morning." He glimpsed at the table again, sweatdropping. "How long have you two been working for?"

"Hmm...Not that long though," she replied.

"The morning is a good time to work," intervened Kira. "The mind stays clear."

"Exactly." Catarina nodded enthusiastically. Eiichi had expected their answers, considering both of them were morning people.

Taking a seat on the couch, he sipped his coffee. "So, how does Kira want to spend the day with the angels?" He was eager to know his answer.

Kira replied, not a second late, "I want to spend the day together, that is all."

"Oh..?" Eiichi let out, intrigued by his choice of wording. Knowing about the brunette's curiosity, Kira explained his thoughts further. He sat next to his leader. 

"I've been thinking about the concept for a while and..... I've come to my answer. There's happiness hidden in everyday trivial matters.... Greeting everyone a 'good morning', cooking, eating together, playing the piano, hanging out with everyone- each of these little things make me happy.... I want to share this happiness with our fans so that. . . they can find a new positive light in their everyday life."

"Kira....Good! The way you earnestly and wholeheartedly face everything is simply good, Kira! Once again knowing about your honest feelings for the angels makes me proud as a leader!"

A small smile tugged at Kira's lips. "Thank you, Eiichi."

"It would be nice if I could let the angels know about more of your charm," Eiichi wished.

Catarina interrupted, "In that case, I have an idea." When the attention of those two shifted to her, she continued, "how about you all introduce each other's songs before its release?"

The blue-eyed woman noticed their quizzical stares. "What I mean is, how about you write your thoughts on Kira's solo on HEAVENS' blog page? And Kira will write about Van's song, for example."

Eiichi's glasses lit up. "I get it! It's a great idea." The man next to him agreed. "Let's discuss it with the others today."

Then, Kira abruptly stood up. "It's already seven. Yamato should be returning from his run soon. . . I'll start preparing breakfast."

Catarina chimed in. "I'll help you!" She took a glance at the messy table and sweatdropped. "After I tidy everything,that is." With a nod of affirmation, the gentleman went away.

"I should get ready as well." Eiichi also got up. He strode towards the sitting female.

". . .Right, I forgot you have your radi-!!"

Placing a hand at the back of her head, another hand on the piano, Eiichi leaned down to her height and captured her lips. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. He traced the contours of her lips with his tongue before pulling away.

"Wh-What was that?" Her voice trembled, cheeks blushing.

"My good morning kiss."

 .....No matter how long we've been together, I can never get used to his surprises.

Eiichi smirked. "You look like you want more."

"N-No, I don't! Just get going."

Lovable Midday

"Rinna, you're late~!" Nagi whined.

"I'm not late," Catarina said back, "you're the one who's early. There's still ten minutes before we're supposed to meet."

"Well, whatever." Nagi shrugged off the topic.

The midday sun shone above them. After his morning radio show and guest appearance at another show, Nagi basically had the entire day off. And a good thing was that Catarina was also free for the day. So, why not gather the inspiration for his song along with the composer?

"So, what did you call me here so suddenly?" Catarina asked.

"To go on a date with Nagi!" He chirped.

"A date?"

"Yup. I want you to help me imagine how I'd spend a day with the angels."

Oh right, for the song. "Alright," she smiled. "So what do you want to do first?"

"Shopping!" The boy chimed,grinning widely. He grabbed the elder female's hand and dragged her. "Let's go!"

She chuckled.  . . .I have a feeling it'll be fun and cute to spend a day with Nagi.

*  * *  * * *  *

"Here you go, Rinna!" Nagi plopped a hat on top of the lady's head. "I was right! It suits you."

"Huh?" She blinked. "Thanks but you didn't have to get me this."

"Nope. I'm the one who invited you outside. So, it's my duty as a cute, little gentleman."

"But-" She got cut off by the pinkette.

The grey-eyed idol pleaded, using his cuteness as his weapon. "Think of it as a gift from your cutest friend, please, Rinna?

Ack..! I know he's pretending but.... The blonde sighed. Why am I weak against these cuties? "Fine...."

"Yay!" cheered Nagi. As soon as he did, Catarina quickly signalled to keep his voice down. "Shh! Not so loud or people will recognize you."

"Oh!" Listening to her, he clamped his mouth shut and nodded.

She grinned and stood straight up before fixing the hat firmly on her head. She spinned, her sun dress flowing with her. "So, do I look cute?"

"Hmm.Not cute as Nagi though," he hummed. Dragging her by the hand again, he giggled. "But I'll be nice enough to make you as cute as me."

And then, Nagi brought her around the mall.

*  * *  * * *  *

In the end, the both of them went around stores and bought what they liked for the other.

"Phew, we ended up doing lots of shopping," Catarina relaxed as she sat on her chair.

"Wasn't it so much fun to go on a shopping spree?" Nagi grinned, taking his disguise off except his cap.

"Can't deny that," she grinned back. "I hardly go out like this so it was refreshing."

"And now I'm so hungry~" The pinkette clutched his stomach. "There are quite cute food items in this cafe."

The blue eyes female picked up the menu and looked through it and commented, "You're right. The meals are as cute as the interior decoration."

"Right~? That's why this cafe caught my eye. I've been wanting to come here ever since it opened a while back."

She grinned, hearts in her eyes, "And all of the desserts look way too tasty. I don't know what to choose...."

Nagi snorted. "As always, Rinna smiles like an idiot when it's about sweets."

Her eyes twitched. "Why, thank you." She told him with a happy smile, "As a form of my gratitude, I won't share a single bite of my desserts with you, kiddo."

"Wha-that's mean!" She stuck out her tongue. "This meanness runs in the family."

The boy pouted. An idea popped into his head and proceeded to smirk. Oh, he just found the perfect retort.

"When you and Eiichi have children, I hope they don't inherit your sweet tooth."

Heat rose to her cheeks as her eyes widened. C-Children!? He succeeded in making her fluster.

"Or else, Eiichi will have to babysit two babies when you go to any cafes."

"Shut up or I'll report to Kira."

To Be Continued.