I updated this fic for anyone who still reads it. Yui and Miaka share a bonding moment but have a few things to share with each other
Miaka walked silently down the street holding her daughters hand in one and the shopping in the other. A kind of spring in her step as she walked along the pathway to her apartment, her mood much more upbeat than before. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so genuinely happy. She had spent so long having to deal with judgement from her neighbours and having to raise Hikari alone. To be able to spend time with her best friend, it felt like a great weight was lifted from her shoulders.
That all of her problems and stresses had been magically removed from her life, as if they never existed to begin with. Wanting nothing more than to get back to her house and enjoy the moment, as happy moments like this were far and few between. Walking down the street with her best friend and her daughter, it felt like a dream. They had been apart for so long she had forgotten how nice it was to hang out with her.
It was true what they said about adult life getting busier and more active than you expected. More responsibilities and problems than you expected, causing her to respect her mother more than she had back then. Knowing that in the end all she had cared about was her daughters well being and making sure she did well in life.
They had gotten so caught up with their own lives that they hadn't seen each other in so long. Even if it was doing mundane and basic acts, it still brought her a sense of joy she couldn't feel anywhere else. Spending the day with her two favourite people, whom she loved and cared for more than anyone else in the entire world.
It was then that her daughter began to speak up, bringing up a subject she never thought her daughter would ask about. Not until she was a bit older that is, but then she was a rather inquisitive child. "Auntie Yui, what was mama like when she was little?" Hikari asked curiously with wide eyes. She had known mama since she was as small as her right, so she would be able to tell her.
Her mummy never told her about her papa whom she had never met. Only that she looked very much like him in appearance, she knew this because she had seen a picture of him before. She had also never told her about what she was like before she had her. What kind of life she had before she was born, what kind of person her mama had been.
Miaka blushed as memories filled her head and laughed awkwardly. She had certainly matured since her younger years that was for sure. Looking back at how she used to act, she did cringe about it. She couldn't believe the tantrums she used to have and how she would deal with her problems. Yes, she had still been as kind as she was now, but she had never really thought things through back then.
The only people to know what she was like when she was younger aside from her family, were her warriors of Suzaku. However, after being reborn most of them were too young to remember. As sad as that was that she would not be part of their lives a second time around, she was glad they had gotten their own wishes. Knowing that in the end they would be truly happy this time around.
They would be able to live normal peaceful lives as they had always wished. But they would never remember who they used to be when they had fought by her side to summon Suzaku. Sure, their spirits existed inside their bodies, but they would never be aware of them. Their spirits would reside with Taiitskun for the rest of eternity, but at least they would be safe with her.
Yui smiled in amusement, it had been so long and Miaka certainly had come a long way. She had shown her maturity during the quest for the shinzaho and summoning Suzaku herself. However, she would always carry the guilt in her heart for what she had put Miaka through. Though she had been manipulated emotionally and psychologically by Nakago, that did not excuse what she had done.
During the time to collect the pearls to regain Taka's memories as Tamahome had certainly been trying. Having to face old memories and return to her duties as the priestess once more However, looking back on how she used to be was always amusing. Thinking about how she was no longer a girl but a woman, having grown after becoming the priestess of Suzaku.
"Well Hikari-chan, she had a big appetite and could never stop eating. And she was always getting into trouble, leaving me to help her out" Yui explained in an amused tone as she reminisced. Back then she had been able to eat a full course meal for 3 people on her own and still be hungry, oh how times had changed since then.
"Yui!" Miaka hissed. She did often cringe at how much she used to eat back then, eating far more than she needed out of greed and her appetite. However, she had certainly controlled her diet since then. Knowing she wouldn't be able to eat that much forever, as it wouldn't be healthy. But at least she had a good appetite, which was a good thing.
Hikari stared at them both with wide eyes, her mother had once eaten that much? Then how was she not fat? She didn't seem to understand how someone could eat all that food. "She was a big cry-baby and sulked like you do sometimes. Until she got her way" Yui chuckled. She still did every now and again like her old self, but had learned to mature since then.
Miaka blushed, what kind of things was she telling her daughter. Honestly, she had no idea of what kind of reputation she would give her. Or what kind of things she would feed into her child's head. The neighbours already thought her a pathetic mother and that her child would be better of elsewhere. Even though she did nothing to abuse her daughter in any way and simply did the best she could.
Honestly, she had no idea of how Yui would react when she finally met her neighbours. Deep down she was completely dreading the entire thing, hoping it would all be over soon. Not wanting Yui to see that ugly side of her life, not even her brother knew about how awful her neighbours were. Not wanting them to become troubled by that side of her life.
Yui and Miaka held Hikari's hand as they walked towards her front door leading to her apartment. Carrying the bags of food as they did so, Miaka seeming to zone out. Her expression seemed forced, her eyes darkened and she gripped the shopping bag and Hikari's hand tightly. Zoning out, blocking out everything around her, scaring Yui.
Hikari became visibly upset and worried, troubling Yui further. She had never seen Miaka act like this, not since Taka died. But it had been 3 years since then, surely, she would have come to terms with it. Then she heard it, the voices going on in the background. The chimes and whispers of the neighbours, forcing her to realize now why Miaka would be acting so strangely.
"She's back, but now she's brought some strange woman" one muttered eyeing Yui up and down silently. Her eyes filled with judgement as she did so. Girls like that cared more about socializing and having fun, not so much as realizing the responsibility that came with being a mother whatsoever.
"She looks far more educated. Seems she was smart enough not to get knocked up" another replied. Why couldn't their stupid neighbour be as smart as her? Knowing how young she was and that she should be worrying about her future, not getting herself knocked up with a kid.
Yui stiffened, seemingly going into shock as she took this all in. You got people talking shit everywhere you went, but speaking about a young mother in such a cruel way was astonishing. Was this some form of sick joke? Was this actually happening? These people talking so badly about Miaka?
Miaka was not exactly the brightest bulb in the box but she wasn't a bad girl. She was a loving mother and had brought her child into the world with the man she had loved. Losing Taka had all but destroyed her after the relationship they had built together. Now forcing her to raise their daughter all on her own, and yet people judged her.
Miaka had wanted to become a stay at home mother with her child. Knowing just what she was getting into the day she fell in love with him as they entered the book. She had opted to give up her future to live with Tamahome, knowing he consequences it came with. So why were these people judging her for it?
She then stopped surprising Hikari as she stared up at Yui with wide eyes. Showing worry and tears that threatened to fall. How could they not see how this was affecting her? "Auntie Yui?" she replied curiously. Was something wrong? She knew that these people were being mean to mama again. But they weren't saying anything to her, so why was she upset?
Yui took a deep breath and whipped her head to glare at the neighbours. Her body defensive and her eyes filled with rage. Miaka was her best friend and she would not tolerate them speaking about her like this. "Don't you have anything better to do? Giving a single mother enough shit after losing her husband?!" She hissed venomously. This was harassment and against the law.
The neighbours looked seemingly stunned at the rage in Yui's eyes. Knowing that if they spoke anymore she would call them up on their bullshit. Looking visibly intimidated by her expression causing them to scurry like ants. Whispering to themselves about her reaction. Not that she gave a fuck about what they thought.
Yui watched them leave before they were out of sight. A heavy sigh escaping her lips, people like that made her sick. Wondering if any of them were even parents at all. They were judging Miaka for simply trying to do the best she could after suffering a great loss. Yes, it had been 3 years, but she still carried the burden of having to raise her child alone.
Miaka simply stood staring in awe, unable to believe Yui had done that for her. She had longed to say that sort of thing to them many times before. But seemingly never had the strength. For the first time in what felt like forever, she had peace and quiet from her harassing neighbours. Hopefully, they would not speak another word to her, unless they wanted to be threatened.
She then smiled warmly at the blonde girl, a fond look on her face "Thank you, Yui-chan" she replied gratefully. She appreciated that she was looking out for her, it felt like forever since someone had. When Taka was alive they hadn't said anything to her, as she had still been pregnant at the time. After he died, they had let rip on her.
Yui eventually softened but was visibly annoyed still, enraged that her neighbours were disrespectful. Miaka had been 18 when she was impregnated and 19 when she gave birth to Hikari. She was a fully grown adult and legal to be a parent, young yes. But none the less an adult and deserved the respect of her neighbours. Everyone became a parent at different times in their lives.
"Let's get inside" she replied quickly. She didn't want Miaka to be harassed anymore or for Hikari to become anymore upset than she already was. Simply wanting to put it behind them. They didn't need any more sadness in their life than they had already suffered. If only her nosy neighbours could understand that themselves.
Yui sat quietly at the table gripping a cup of tea in her hand as she gazed into space. Her belly full of food, content and yet still trapped in the memories of earlier. Did that sort of thing happen often? Bullying happened in every form no matter how old you were, but to see it happening to her best friend made her incredibly angry.
Miaka wasn't perfect but she wasn't a bad person. She thought the world of Hikari and loved her dearly. It was hard for her as she looked exactly like her father, but she had come to adjust to it. She had been through enough trauma and loss in her life. From her warriors dying during their time in the book and now the loss of the man she loved. Now people were judging her for trying to raise her kid alone.
She didn't know how long Miaka had been suffering like this, but she would not allow it to happen any longer. A rage building inside of her that she couldn't explain, but flowed through her strongly. Knowing that people had been hurting Miaka and she had known nothing about it, most likely a similar feeling to how Miaka had most likely felt knowing she had been assaulted.
Miaka then entered the room with an awkward smile "Sorry about that Yui-chan. Hikari is taking a nap now, though she takes a while to settle" she apologized. She certainly was a needy child. Constantly craving approval and love, which could be very exhausting but at the same time brought her so much joy she couldn't explain.
Yui smiled and shook her head "Don't worry about it. Parenting is a full-time job, right?" she replied kindly. She didn't mind being ignored for a while, she was just happy to see Miaka again. She had certainly come into her own as a mother, maturing both physically and emotionally. Becoming more of a woman as each day passed, bringing out feelings in Yui she had never thought possible.
Miaka had always been precious to her, ever since they were kids. Her best friend, her ally, her confidant, someone she had unending faith in and loved more than anything else in the world. During her time in the book and the assault she went through, all she could think about was Miaka. Not blaming her for what happened, but scared as to why she had heard her like before.
Leaving her alone and afraid in the book when she needed her more than ever. Bitter at her newfound affection of Tamahome and rejecting her completely despite their friendship. She had never hated Miaka, she was her best friend and knew her better than anyone. She stated herself that she knew Miaka better than Tamahome did. She always had and always would.
The fact that she had suddenly grown attached to a complete stranger who showed her kindness angered her. Making her feel like she had been replaced as someone important to Miaka. Even now after Taka was gone, she had still been there for Miaka. Helping her find a preschool for Hikari, helping her with babysitting and any relief she needed during that time.
All these years later, she was as protective as ever towards Miaka, standing up for her even now. Making sure that nobody gave her shit or attempted to touch a hair on Miaka or Hikari's head. Hating the fact that these people assumed things about her despite obviously never having spoke to her in person whatsoever.
Miaka gave her a grateful look then sat down beside her with her own cup of tea. Sighing heavily in relief, ever since she became a mother she had felt herself becoming wearier nowadays. "Hikari was happy to see you. I'm sorry you didn't get to see her for long though" she replied kindly. It wasn't very often they got visitors, so she greatly appreciated the company.
Yui smiled fondly, she was growing up so fast. It seemed like only yesterday she was a chubby cheeked infant, now she was 3 years old. She looked so much like Miaka despite her hair it was unreal. "She's a kid, they get burned out fast" she replied in an understanding tone. It couldn't be helped, they were so full of energy that it was bound to burn out at some point. However, all at once.
Miaka chuckled, she had never thought she could feel so at peace. She spent so long stressing out over Hikari that she never just had time to talk with anyone or chill. Parenting was indeed a full time job and she had no idea of how her mother had raised both her and Keisuke the way she had on her own with how much trouble she had been.
Yui gazed at her silently, her green eyes intense and yearning. Slowly roaming over Miaka quietly, gripping the teacup in her hands tightly, her breathing quickening and heavy. Her beautiful golden green eyes, her silky brownish red hair that she loved so much. So soft and familiar, no longer in the same buns they had been back then. Her soft creamy skin and firm breasts.
She couldn't stop staring at her, or to be more exact her lips. The desire to be closer to her flowing through her. But she couldn't explain why, had this feeling suddenly appeared or been inside her all along. Now beginning to blossom into a flower, spreading her petals and ready to spread her love towards Miaka and make her happy again.
"So Yui-chan. You got a boyfriend yourself yet?" she teased. She had always been popular even in middle school, endless boys confessing their love to him almost every single day. She hadn't gotten any attention until she had entered the book, but Yui had been stealing hearts the minute she had started middle school.
She had become pretty close to Keisuke, but he saw her as a little sister much like her. Being childhood friends, they had pretty much spent time at each other's homes for years. Tetsuya had a big crush on Yui and had done since he learned about all she had been through in the book. Wanting nothing more than to protect her and keep her safe from harm.
Yui stiffened and bowed her head, back when they had been in the book she developed a crush on Tamahome. Becoming obsessed with him and desired to steal him from Miaka. However, over time she learned Tamahome would never return her love. As much as it hurt her to admit that, simply seeking affection from the first person who had showed her kindness.
Suboshi showed affection for her but she could not return his love as much as it hurt her. Deep down she knew in his own way he did care about her and he wasn't a bad guy, but his what he had tried to do was not something she could forgive. Her head and heart had been a mess, but she couldn't give him the love he desired from her.
Nakago hadn't loved her as much as she thought he had. Instead he had been manipulating her the entire time. Using her as a tool to get what he wanted from the beast gods power. Looking back she couldn't believe she had listened to half the things he had said to her, angering her the more she looked back on it.
She didn't know if she could trust anyone like that again, to open her heart to them out of fear of what could happen. She had learned from her mistakes from the world of the book. She eventually shook her head slowly "No" she replied calmly. Yes, she had feelings for someone, but it wasn't a guy. It was her best friend whom she had known since she was a kid.
Miaka tilted her head but looked worried, she could understand why but she had to put those things behind her. The world of the book was in the past, she had to move on with her life. She had been forced to do the same with Taka, it hurt to lose him. But she had to think about the well being of her child. To raise the baby that she and Taka had made together.
She then reached out her hand slowly, leaning across the table to take Yui's hand. Causing Yui to stiffen at the contact, unable to look away from Miaka leaning across the table. "Yui-chan, talk to me" she asked. She could see she was hiding something. She wouldn't let her suffer alone like she had in the book, she was here now. Whatever was wrong she could do what she could to help.
Yui felt like she was on a stage, being put on the spot. How could she tell Miaka she was in love with her? How could she say she was the one she had a crush on? She would never look at her the same way. She then stood up quickly surprising Miaka, not speaking a word. She then headed out the front door, her cheeks flushed bright red as she did so.
Her expression surprising Miaka as she had never seen Yui like that before. She wondered what could have happened to Yui to make her act that way. She had seemed so happy and calm, then suddenly closing herself off. Causing her to wonder if she brought back unpleasant memories by accident.