[As soon as Nana lets her eyes flutter shut, Mai feels like she's witnessing a sliver of a certain something that separates the stars from the rubble. Even though she sits close beside her, there's a palpable distance between them now that Nana begins to settle into her element. It isn't a new feeling for Mai-- she's long-since grown used to watching the backs of others far more talented than her, grown used to sitting on the periphery while someone else shines in the glory of their talent.
And of course, Mai being Mai, she can't do anything but absorb a little bit of that luster for herself, like the moon from its sun. She doesn't think much about lingering in Nana's shadow, offering meager back-up because Nana insisted on it-- but then she feels a hand reaching for hers, urging her to stand up, too. The sun asking the moon to join it if only for a few minutes in the daylight. It strikes something in Mai, the simple act, the significance of the invitation-- even if it only means something to the part of her that she thought had disappeared with her sister's abandonment. No one had held her hand in years, but it comes flooding back to her, how much she missed it. And unlike back then, when Maki would do so to protect her little sister and guide her to safety, Nana was bringing Mai to stand at her side as quasi-equals.
She hates how dumb she feels, her world shifting from just this silly split-second, but Mai doesn't let go of Nana's hand.
It's all so strange, singing a handful of words to a song she's never heard before, giving in to the rhythm and swaying a bit on her feet. Her mind half-registers the intrusion of one curious employee, and normally she'd shoot a look of annoyance in their direction for catching her in a moment of lackluster talent-- but this time there's a dose of pride in her expression. She's the one who gets to stand by Nana, after all.
Nana's passionate handling of the song, from the bold rapping bit to the flirty chorus, doesn't fail to impress Mai. She had a feeling it'd turn out this way. It only feeds her interest in hearing Nana sing her original music-- Black Stones' original music. As soon as their karaoke plans were made, Mai forbade herself from listening to anything they had put out, telling herself that she wouldn't bother giving them her time if Nana didn't have the chops to sing live. Well, it's clear how that turned out. Mai is sure to be converted before their not-date is over.
The final chorus comes to a close, with a satisfied Mai singing along with Nana until the final lyrics disappear off of the TV screen. She pries her eyes from the now-blank monitor and faces Nana with an expression that's softer than usual.]
"...you're not bad."
[It's painfully obvious that Mai isn't used to doling out compliments, even when they're deserved. Goodness only knows how many people in her life had shown her something impressive only to be dismissed or snarked at afterward. Even now, there's the telltale reluctance that is practically ingrained in the younger girl, but Nana might be able to discern a notable thread of genuine admiration lurking beneath. The thrill of the song is beginning to subside, and Mai is still holding onto Nana's hand. Now everything feels a little too vulnerable, and so she loosens her grip and crosses her arms while her eyes dart about their small room for something that'll keep her from spilling her guts any further.]
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And of course, Mai being Mai, she can't do anything but absorb a little bit of that luster for herself, like the moon from its sun. She doesn't think much about lingering in Nana's shadow, offering meager back-up because Nana insisted on it-- but then she feels a hand reaching for hers, urging her to stand up, too. The sun asking the moon to join it if only for a few minutes in the daylight. It strikes something in Mai, the simple act, the significance of the invitation-- even if it only means something to the part of her that she thought had disappeared with her sister's abandonment. No one had held her hand in years, but it comes flooding back to her, how much she missed it. And unlike back then, when Maki would do so to protect her little sister and guide her to safety, Nana was bringing Mai to stand at her side as quasi-equals.
She hates how dumb she feels, her world shifting from just this silly split-second, but Mai doesn't let go of Nana's hand.
It's all so strange, singing a handful of words to a song she's never heard before, giving in to the rhythm and swaying a bit on her feet. Her mind half-registers the intrusion of one curious employee, and normally she'd shoot a look of annoyance in their direction for catching her in a moment of lackluster talent-- but this time there's a dose of pride in her expression. She's the one who gets to stand by Nana, after all.
Nana's passionate handling of the song, from the bold rapping bit to the flirty chorus, doesn't fail to impress Mai. She had a feeling it'd turn out this way. It only feeds her interest in hearing Nana sing her original music-- Black Stones' original music. As soon as their karaoke plans were made, Mai forbade herself from listening to anything they had put out, telling herself that she wouldn't bother giving them her time if Nana didn't have the chops to sing live. Well, it's clear how that turned out. Mai is sure to be converted before their not-date is over.
The final chorus comes to a close, with a satisfied Mai singing along with Nana until the final lyrics disappear off of the TV screen. She pries her eyes from the now-blank monitor and faces Nana with an expression that's softer than usual.]
"...you're not bad."
[It's painfully obvious that Mai isn't used to doling out compliments, even when they're deserved. Goodness only knows how many people in her life had shown her something impressive only to be dismissed or snarked at afterward. Even now, there's the telltale reluctance that is practically ingrained in the younger girl, but Nana might be able to discern a notable thread of genuine admiration lurking beneath. The thrill of the song is beginning to subside, and Mai is still holding onto Nana's hand. Now everything feels a little too vulnerable, and so she loosens her grip and crosses her arms while her eyes dart about their small room for something that'll keep her from spilling her guts any further.]
"Looks like the food's here."