Work Text:
La petite fille de la mer, a calming piece of music, especially to a certain two twins.
One of their earliest memories came from that song, playing softly from a music box at night, while their mother was there to gently comfort them.
The two of them always seemed to be connected, even in nightmares, and when the two little 5 year olds, both dressed in blue pajamas came into their mothers room, crying while holding hands, what else could she do?
Gently hugging the two, she took their hands and led them back to their room, letting the two sit on the floor next to her.
“I want to show you two something, it’s a music box that my mother gave to me.” Their mom spoke in a soft voice, as she calmly wound up the music box. “Everytime I found myself unable to sleep, she’d play this for me.”
The two ended up both snuggling into her side, as the box started to play the soft, yet beautiful melody.
“Whenever you two feel scared, sad, or alone, just remember this song will always be here, and think of it as a reminder of my love.”
After a few minutes, Yuuta had fallen back asleep rather quickly, while Hinata was still awake listening to the music.
“Mom..?”
“Yes Hinata?”
“What’s… the song's name?”
“You wouldn’t understand it if I told you, it’s in a different language.”
“Do you know what it means though..?”
“I do.”
“Can you tell me?”
“Maybe later, when you’re older, my child.”
“Do you promise..?”
“I promise Hinata, now… get some sleep.”
Hinata nodded, and mere moments later had fallen asleep.
Neither of the twins noticed their mother sitting there with her sleeping children until the box turned off, and neither would ever know that she kissed them on the head before picking them up and tucking them back in.
And sadly, neither of them would know what she softly whispered to them that night, as no one was there to hear, before she shut their door and walked back to go to sleep herself.
Those words would be lost to the night, never to be discovered.
-----
The next time the twins woke up to a nightmare, there was no mother to go to for comfort.
Instead, all they had left was each other.
Yuuta, curled up against Hinata, blue and pink pajamas now clashing yet blending, two halves of a whole heart, yet both still breaking.
Hinata didn’t know what to do, having taken on the protective role after it was clear their father wouldn’t, noticed the small music box sitting on the nightstand.
Reaching over to grab it, while trying to comfort Yuuta at the same time, Hinata wound it up and opened it, setting it next to them both.
That night, it took longer to fall asleep than when their mom was there.
But still, Yuuta was the first one to fall asleep, holding onto Hinata tighter than ever.
Hinata had had to rewind the music box a few times, but listening to it only hurt more.
“You… never did tell me what it meant, did you Mom? You promised…”
But… Hinata realized that day that promises were so often broken.
Although, Hinata swore to never break one made to Yuuta.
“I promise Yuuta… I promise I'll be there to protect you…”
-----
Years had passed since those nights, as 2wink came to exist and flourish, as the twins found a new family in the Light Music Club, and in the idols around them.
And as that one fateful day on the rooftop during the Setsubun festival came to an end, with the two twins walking back down from the roof together.
That night, the two found themselves in the club room, sitting on the piano bench together, with Hinata holding new sheet music.
“I finally found the sheet music for the music box mom left us…” Hinata’s voice was weaker, now that all the cameras were gone and it was just the two of them. The two in one idol unit, the two halves of a heart.
“Did you ever find out the song's name?”
“Yeah, but mom wasn’t lying when she said that it was a different language…”
“Ah, I see.”
Hinata set the paper up for them both to see, as Hinta had already written some notes on the paper to make it easier for them both to read.
Yuuta had been silent for a few moments, before just starting to play.
Hinata joined in almost instantly.
The two played in silence, both working together in ways they always had. They were always in perfect time with each other, after all.
Even when they technically finished the song, the two didn’t even speak before just starting over from the beginning.
And they did it until they didn’t even have to look at the sheet to play.
It was either a remarkable strike of luck, or someone who had taken on a parental role that no one found them, and how they had stayed there overnight playing.
But morning came, and it was Rei who found the two twins playing together, neither seeming to have realized they were crying.
“It’s morning you two,” Rei’s voice was also soft, seeing the twins look up. “Take your time, if you need you can hide here for as long as you need. Message me if you need anything.”
“Are you not wanting us to leave to sleep..? We can go to class and it’ll be fine…” Yuuta was the first to speak, as Hinata was still struggling to muster up any act, to pretend it was all fine.
“I care more about you two then my rest, going to class will harm me less than if you were to do the same.”
Hinata was silent for a moment longer, processing what Rei had said, before standing up.
Crossing the room, Hinata hugged Rei tightly, voice weaker, but more genuine, then ever.
“Thank you…”
What exactly it was for was left unsaid, but Rei seemed to understand, hugging Hinata back and beckoning Yuuta to join.
Neither of the twins would be able to put to words that moment, truly, what they were trying to thank Rei for. But Rei knew enough.
And Rei knew, it was for giving them a home. A happy home, a loving family, and a place to just be themselves.
Rei would tell them later to ask Shu about the song, and would tell them later how much they meant to everyone.
But right now, letting the two of them stay like this, and not mentioning the fact that they were yet again crying, was enough.
-----
Hinata had never felt more stupid.
Turning the dorm upside down and still being unable to find the music box, the one thing left of the twins mother, had left Hinata on the verge of breaking down.
Yuuta had been there to help, but had never seen Hinata look so desperate and terrified.
In the end, it had led to Hinata biting back sobs as Yuuta got to take on the older sibling role, to try and comfort the other.
Hinata only remembered taking it out of the room once, but couldn’t remember where, so as far as either of them knew it could’ve been lost for good.
Hinata’s roommates had been kind enough to leave them alone, giving the twins permission to search anywhere that wasn’t too private.
But hearing the knock on the door made them both panic, as Hinata had failed the mission of holding back tears and Yuuta had currently been rubbing Hinata’s back in an attempt to comfort.
“...We can ignore it if you want Hinata-”
“No- no it’s… fine. I’ll get the door…”
Yuuta gave a concerned glance, but let Hinata stand up and wipe some tears away before opening the door.
“Can I help you It- Itsuki-senpai?!” Hinata was suddenly very self conscious of looking as… broken as they were. “I- I wasn’t aware you were back from France, I’m sorry I-”
“Hinata-kun, do not apologize.” Shu’s voice was softer than either twin had ever heard, offering a reassuring smile. They both had been aware that Shu was becoming… more human for lack of a better word, but never directed at them like this. “Rei had sent out a message about your missing item after the younger Amagi came to ask for help. Your roommates were both rather worried.”
“A… message to who exactly?” Yuuta spoke, walking over to the door and stepping beside Hinata. As much as both the twins wanted help to find the music box, neither wanted more pity from all the idols they were around, not after that fateful day.
“Just the fellow oddballs, Rei wouldn’t do that to you again.” As if Shu knew what they were both thinking, that fear was quickly eased. “We all have our ways, after all. And our ways ended with this.”
Shu then fell silent, reaching into a small bag and pulling out the small music box, seeing the twins' eyes both light up.
Hinata took the box, on the edge of crying again, as Yuuta quietly spoke up.
“T-thank you Itsuki-senpai- I… we… both owe you so much for this-”
“Non. You two don’t owe me, nor anyone, anything. We care about you two, especially Rei. It’s a precious item for you two, it’s only fair we’d try our best to recover it for you.”
“Thank you- thank you so so much-” Handing Yuuta the box, Hinata quickly hugged Shu.
And normally Shu would push such affection away, but seeing the look in their eyes when they both had realized it was safe.
The look of relief, of joy, and of security, knowing it was back in their possession and safe.
It left Shu feeling a sense of protection, not just for the two of them, but for that music box as well.
Yuuta had moved to put the box down on a table, before gently tapping Hinata’s shoulder.
“Hinata, you should probably let Itsuki-senpai go.”
Hinata barely moved, still holding tight.
Surprisingly though, Shu simply hugged back, rubbing Hinata’s back soothingly.
“It’s alright Yuuta-kun, I’m sure I’d feel the same if I were to lose Mademoiselle. Hinata-kun is fine, I promise.”
Shu was aware of how Hinata's hands had twisted into the other’s shirt. Realized that Hinata was crying again. And realized, that just maybe, this was the most open Hinata had ever been to Shu.
And Shu realized that Hinata now felt safe. Because Hinata had let down the walls, and Shu didn’t turn and leave.
Yuuta gave a soft look when Shu made eye contact, and smiled.
“If you two don’t mind me asking though, why that song?”
“What do you mean?” Yuuta seemed to take over talking, letting Hinata enjoy the comfort and, for once, just cry.
“The song’s name that was engraved on the bottom, “La petite fille de la mer”?”
“We… don’t actually know. Our mother left it for us, but she never told us the meaning.”
“I could translate it for you two, you know?”
That made Hinata look up, still hugging Shu.
Yuuta simply looked shocked, neither of them immediately responding.
“If you’d rather I not, I won’t of course. It is also possible the person who told your mother what it meant possibly said something different.”
“I hate to speak for both of us, but…” Yuuta shot a glance at Hinata, being met with a nod, before continuing. “Please… tell us.”
Shu nodded, noting the desperation in their eyes.
“La petite fille de la mer, best translates to the little girl of the sea.”
“The… little girl of the sea..?” Yuuta quietly repeated, as Shu nodded again.
“I… wonder what mom meant by that…” Hinata weakly added, finally letting go of Shu and stepping back. “She told me she’d explain what it meant when I was older… it- had to mean something…”
“I wish that was something I could tell you… sadly translating someone's love is harder than a language.” The twins simply nodded, both a bit lost and confused, with old cracks starting to show again. Shu knew how hard it was to repair a heart, and how easy they’d break again.
Shu wanted to help, but knew how easily words got lost in sentiment, and trying to put words to another person's care.
“What I can say though, is that it has a meaning, and the fact it was left for you, is proof enough she loved you.”
The twins both tilted their heads, looking at Shu confused.
“What do you mean..?” Hinata’s voice was still much more… genuine.
“She wouldn’t have thought of a meaning for it, tied to you two, if she didn’t care for you. In addition, it’s very fine craftsmanship, despite being rather old. An antique collector would pay millions for it, without knowing that it’s honestly priceless.”
“Priceless?” Yuuta chimed in, as Shu nodded.
“No music box being sold can ever have the same meaning as one this old, well taken care of, and filled with love.”
The twins both nodded, looking over to the small box and smiling softly, as Shu hummed.
“Well. I best be off, but take care of that, ok? You’re unlikely to find something that valuable again, but greedy money seekers will only see half the worth.”
At that, Shu left and shut the door, leaving the twins standing there.
Those words that were shared between the two would also be lost to time, like so many others, but the promise there would be kept as well.
That they’d never let that music box go.
-----
Yuuta had never woken up and gotten out the door faster.
But Hinata sent Yuuta a message that was simple “rough night, 1st floor common area with music box rn, can you come please?”
And before Hinata could even start to regret it and send an apology, Yuuta came down the stairs from the dorm, running over to Hinata’s side.
The music box had already been wound up, as Hinata was staring at it.
Yuuta quickly noticed the tears falling from Hinata’s eyes, glistening in the moonlight seeping through the window. Neither of them needed to speak as Yuuta just sat next to Hinata, pulling the other into a hug.
“I’m sorry Yuuta…”
“Don’t apologize for this. I’m always here for you idiot…”
“I know…. I know. It’s just not- easy to convince myself of that…”
“Well… that’s why I’ll keep reminding you.”
Hinata simply nodded at that, falling silent again and holding on to Yuuta tightly.
The music box was the only sound for a while, but when it was about to stop Yuuta was the one to move to rewind it, hearing Hinata sigh as well.
“It’s strange… that music box has a lot of different things associated with it now…”
“...What do you mean by that?”
“Well… how do I explain…” Hinata sighed, looking up at the ceiling for a moment as Yuuta set the box down again. “First it’s associated with broken promises, since Mom promised me that night that she’d tell me what it meant when we were older…”
“I’m sure she would have…”
“As am I, but the promise was still broken. But then it’s also associated with a promise of my own. It’s also associated with love, death, comfort, and… peace.”
“That’s a lot of value for such a small box…” Yuuta muttered, but Hinata did see the soft smile.
“It’s what mom left us, I wouldn’t expect anything less…” Hinata’s smile was a sad one, as the twins ended up leaning against each other while listening to it. “I wish I could’ve known what she meant by it…”
“Me too…”
Neither spoke anymore that night, the two falling asleep on the couch while the box finished its tune.
Although, the thought they both had about the name and the meaning left them both at the same conclusion.
That whatever their mom might have intended, was washed away with the tide. Lost forever to the unknown.
-----
Hinata never knew what to expect when going back to their house to check on the cats, but it wasn’t this.
In the room Hinata used to share with Yuuta, Hinata found a photo album that wasn’t there before.
Hinata did remember on a call with their father (even if Yuuta didn’t see it that way) that the man mentioned he had left something for the two of them to pick up, but Hinata wasn’t expecting this…
A note from him in the album said that their mother had left this for them, for when they were older. He simply felt like they were more than old enough by now.
Going back to the dorms, calling Yuuta, and politely kicking out the roommates, Hinata sat down on the bed and waited.
After a little bit, Yuuta arrived at the dorm, walking in and sitting down next to Hinata.
The two were silent, both just flipping through the photos in it.
In it were photos of their mother. Photos of her and their father, excited to find out they’d be having kids.
There were baby photos, how old they were every month, birthdays, mothers day, fathers day, christmas, easter…
Everything. They were photos of their childhood, when their mother was there. When there was joy.
Neither of the twins knew who was crying first, but they were aware they were both crying by the end.
The captions were all written with such joy, all clearly from their mom. The final photo in the album was the two of them asleep on her, with her smiling softly. The music box was in the photo too, and the caption was simple. “My darling twin stars occasionally need the comfort of the sea.”
“...She did this all for us?” Yuuta hesitantly spoke, looking over at Hinata.
“She… did.” Hinata quietly responded, before noticing something at the back of the album. Taking it out, they saw a letter from their mom.
The two stayed silent, looking at each other before opening it and reading it.
They were careful not to cry on it, but when they finished reading the silence didn’t change.
Putting the letter back in the album carefully, the two both realized despite the tears they were smiling.
“Do you want the album Yuuta..? I have the music box so it’s… only fair.”
“No… you keep it. I’ll always be able to visit and look at it, but it… feels right to keep the music box together with it.”
“Alright…” Hinata wiped away a few tears, setting the album down. “Hey, when we next have a break do you want to go visit her grave..?”
“Yeah… I think that’d be nice…” Yuuta’s smile stayed soft, before standing up. “I need to go, but we’ll set up a time. Make sure to bring the music box and album though, ok?”
“Alright Yuuta. I love you.”
“I love you too Aniki.”
The two twins shared a quick hug, before Yuuta exited the room.
Hinata smiled softly, looking down at the album, tracing the pattern on it.
“I’m sorry I ever thought you’d actually break that promise Mom. I love you… Please keep watching over us.”
Hinata then stood up, setting the album on a shelf next to the music box.
“I kept mine as well.”
-----
To My Dear Twin Stars,
By the time this letter will be delivered to you, I’m aware I will be long gone. Hopefully my wish was fulfilled though, and you two will have become wonderful young teenagers.
I made a promise to Hinata one night that I would explain the music box to you two, and I’m sad to say that I will be unable to fulfill that promise in person. Hopefully when you two are reading this you’ve at least noticed the name of the song, if not the translation. But in case not, let me explain.
When I was a child myself, my mother gave me the music box that you two now have. “La petite fille de la mer”, which translates to “The little girl of the sea.” Where I lived, we would be able to see the sea every day, and at night I’d go out to see the stars at night, how they’d reflect onto the calming water, changing slightly in that reflection but shining as bright as ever.
When I had the two of you, you two shone just as bright as those stars always did.
The music box was my reminder of the sea and the stars, and so I was happy to leave it for you two. While it might seem strange that the song isn’t exactly for you two, I feel like it was a way to leave a piece of me with you two even after I was gone.
I wish I could be there to tell you this myself, to see how well you two have grown. Hopefully you’re just as bright as ever, although I wouldn’t be surprised if you have become performers by this point. You were always putting on such wonderful shows for me after all.
I want you two to know that I’m always watching over you two. No matter what. So long I live on in your memories and your heart, I’ll be here to protect you. If you ever need to think, go to the sea one night, or to my grave.
Under the stars, I hope you two will be able to feel more connected to me. The stars always have had my heart, after all.
Remember that I love you two, and always will.
Hold on close to those you love. Your father doesn’t know what is in these letters, but he has more waiting for you. Those have set years though. Advice, reminders, anything I could think of to leave you I did.
Shine bright my precious twin stars, the sea and I will always be here for you.
Sending you two the best of luck, and my everlasting love,
Mom.