lavender; nishimura riki

twenty-one.

5/12 7:34pm - celebration.

You and Riki have been spending all the time you can together. You both rested on the tenth, getting together to watch a movie in the evening. Then, on the eleventh you crammed the day full of activities. You went shopping, went to the hotel pool, got ice cream, got rained on. It was all very lovely even if Felice and Mateo fretted that you would get sick. Of course, you both didn't stay sick but this morning until you had to get ready for the event, you both stayed bundled into blankets, eating hot room service soup and watching studio ghibli movies.

There are only a few people milling around and people are still arriving for the celebration. The Director is chatting with the cast for Tara's mother and you remember with a start a scene that was cut- Tara walking into the bathroom where her mother lies dead, except you started giggling and so did the actor who proceeded to get up and pretend to be a zombie. With a bitter smile, you realize how much you're going to miss this. Your first big production. Your first relationship.

You link an arm with Riki and he holds on for a moment before letting go only to slide that hand onto the small of your back, a half hug of sorts. As planned, you're both matching. You're both all fancied up with your hair styled nicely and in formalwear. Riki's black suit jacket is a soft velvet kind of material that's pleasant to touch. You're in black as well and you both sport silver accessories. Silver earrings for both of you, a silver tie that stands out against his black shirt, silver necklaces for you and bracelets sparkling around your wrists.

The room around you is quite large and your shoes clack on the smooth floor of the venue. The major light source is a big crystal chandelier hanging down from the ceiling. There are various small round tables for sitting and longer ones at the side of the room set up with a buffet and drinks. It's nothing too grand- that will be saved for the premiere of the movie six months or so in the future -this is just something with a touch of fancy for the cast and crew. It's certainly a nice step up from the group dinners. There are already some people staring hungrily at the buffet.

You shift and smile up at Riki as you walk. Feeling your movement, he glances over and smiles teasingly back. "What's that for?" He asks.

"I can't be happy?"

"Please be happy." He pulls you so much closer that you're nearly stumbling over his feet as you cross the room. You distance yourself the slightest bit so you don't crush his toes. Riki speaks so softly you almost don't hear him, "I want you to be happy forever."

You stare at him for a moment, your stomach twisting as you process what he's saying. Perhaps you're overthinking it. Perhaps you're being irrational. But, forever.  That word makes your heart stop. What does he mean by forever? Does he think you'll be together that long? Will you? You really do hope so. You'll never be ready to lose him. That thought reminds you painfully of your impending separation. 

Before you have to manually shove away your sour thoughts, Director Lee approaches you, a wide smile stretching his features. His teeth look extra white and shiny. "My stars!" He welcomes you both with awkward pats on the shoulder as you bow your head, smiling and laughing politely. Although he's been thoroughly annoyed with both of you on various occasions, he seems genuinely happy to see you. Then again, it would be questionable if he were not. You are his star actors anyway. He's simply a little extra enthusiastic tonight. You realize why when he starts praising you both. He's already had a couple of drinks. You chuckle slightly to yourself.

"Of course I have more praise awaiting you in the speech I prepared!" He claps his hands together, smiling graciously. "So for now that's it. Please! Go ahead and socialize." He grins that shiny white grin again and waves you onward. Riki leans down and laughs in your ear as you walk away, "The Director needs to lay off on the drinks until his speech"

You snort and shake your head, covering your mouth as you laugh. "Do you think he whitened his teeth especially for this?"

"Definitely." Riki grins. "Maybe I should have too." A musing overtakes him until you teasingly push his shoulder with yours. "You would blind me, I swear. Ahh, your smile's too pretty already what would happen if it glowed!?" You place a hand dramatically over your forehead as you speak. Riki snickers. "What do you mean? I think it would great to be luminescent."

"You wanna be a human glowstick?" You raise your eyebrows.

"Well-" Riki starts. He's cut off by the actor for Tara's mother calling you both over. You grin and wave back to her, tugging your slightly startled boyfriend along. You really admire her as an actor and as a person. She's kind and smart and portrays her character so well that you'd begun to hate her a little bit. Of course, she isn't terrible in reality so instead you've come to love her. You immediately start off a conversation as she wraps you in a half-hug since you're still attached to Riki. Riki, meanwhile, shoves his free hand in his pocket and stares at his feet. Every once in a while, especially when you laugh, he shoots you a smile. He doesn't think you notice, but once the conversation's over, it's all you can do not to plant a big kiss on his cheek. You're both still a bit too shy for that, even if you are constantly linked at the arm.

As the cast and crew crowd thickens, you take a seat at a table together with Felice and Mateo who've already gotten food and are leaned over his phone gossiping about something. Sometimes you're sure that they're two old ladies disguised as late twenties early thirties managers. You and Riki relax calmly into your seats. He taps his fingers on the table and you hum a tune as you wait for the Director to start his speech. He taps the microphone. The feedback rings through every soul in the room and every head turns to face the small stage. He smiles. A genuine, proud smile and not the too-wide drunk one from before.

"I want to start by saying how proud I am of everyone in this room. How we've all worked so hard to get here and with this being my first big thing as a director, I'm happy that it was with you all." He clears his throat and you can't help but notice that Director Lee's glasses have begun to fog up with tears. You find yourself sniffling already.

"I'll move on, by recognizing our stars. Nishimura Riki and L/n Y/n!" He shouts into the mic with a grin. "I won't make you stand up, but I want to let you know that no matter how many times we had to reshoot a scene. No matter how many times I yelled or got upset because things weren't working out. No matter how many times I ruined your fun or acted like an asshole-" The crowd laughs softly. "I'm so proud of you both and everything has turned out so incredibly. You're both very good people and creative individuals. Y/n, your work is so impressive for your first big film, and your contributions to the script and your adlibs are always just the right amount. Riki, the way you interact with other characters and become your character is truly amazing. You channel so much emotion. And of course, your adlibs are amazing too." The Director grins then coughs slightly. He laughs. "I don't know if I can get through this entire speech." The entire crowd, including you and Riki let out a melancholy laugh with him after that.

As you sit and listen to him continue about other actors and the crew and everyone, you quietly fiddle with the fact that it's all over now. Your first big role. It's complete, and you're so proud, but at the same time you don't want it to be over yet. You don't realize until Riki squeezes your hand just how tightly you've been gripping onto him. You release your hold and mouth and apology. He only smiles at you. 

You press a kiss to Riki's cheek when you think no one's watching. He kisses the back of your hand.

You're so glad you have him.