"And look at this one, too," he pointed out enthusiastically.

"Wow, Kanato, you're impressing me more and more everyday!"

Yuuki's compliments made him blush. At her encouragement, he had started delving into creative past-times left and right. He'd eagerly show her the finished products, and she would always stop whatever she was doing in order to give a hundred percent of her concentration. They became something that Yuuki genuinely praised and looked forward to, since life would be boring without the entertainment he provided. Sometimes he would sing to her, other days he would dress her up, or display his new creation. She filled that empty space in his heart with motherly attention. Over a relatively short period of time, Kanato had mellowed down by putting his energy into productive endeavors.

Yuuki had never expected to unveil such a prodigy. Who knew that Kanato's perceived insanity was a side effect of being an unpolished diamond in the rough? He was bubbling up with unsatisfied capabilities which would occasionally overflow when he couldn't take it anymore. Kanato was a victim of talent. Yuuki had simply taught him how to use it as a tool rather than a weapon against himself and those around him. All he needed was a gentle push in the right direction.

If I can do something to help the people around me, Yuuki thought, then I don't feel like cursing my situation anymore.

Sometimes, the genius was standing right in front of you. You just failed to recognize them. It takes all sorts of people to raise a single child. Yuuki was proud to be "one of those people" for the vampire sitting next to her. He put his things away before looking up at her with a somewhat concerned face.

"Yuu-chan..."

"Hmm?"

"I've been trying to stick Teddy's head back on, but it's not working out." He held up the toy to show her.

"You're supposed to take the stuffing out first!"

"Oh. No wonder."

Yuuki chuckled. "But I don't know how to sew, so make sure to ask Reiji if you have any questions."

"But he's such a mean teacher."

Yuuki nodded gravely. "But even then... he knows better than me."

"Yuu-chan, you look like you've just swallowed a cup of lemon juice!" Kanato laughed.

She was indeed cringing. Her study sessions with Reiji were just as scary as she had expected them to be. It might be easier on herself to simply go back to school, but she didn't want to end her seclusion right after she had reconciled with Ayato. It would make it seem like her happiness was dependent on him – not something she come to terms with for herself. She was struggling to find solid ground in a transitional phase in her life. Yuuki had a hard time being decisive when her mindset was still shaky. And why should she intentionally jump out of the frying pan and into the fire until she felt prepared to do so?

"Well," Kanato stood up, "I'm going now." He poked his head back into the room a second after he walked out. "Oh, a mister frowny-face is here to see you." Kanato demonstrated the bitter expression before cracking a nutty smile of his own. "Bye-bye!"

Ayato? Noo, wait. Please - not Reiji!

She immediately started pleading for mercy the second her door opened once again.

"I'm so sorry! Please forgive my lost soul! I admit it - I haven't finished the packet yet. Come back later!" Yuuki begged earnestly, frantically bowing with her entire body. She continued yapping like a distressed puppy, "Actually, no - let Shu teach me instead! Please? He listens to you, Reiji. Just-"

"Uh..." It wasn't the voice she was expecting.

"Huh?" Yuuki opened her eyes to see the youngest brother standing before her. She could literally hear the crickets chirping.

"Oh, it's just you, Subaru." She sighed with relief before blushing. "Err, ignore all of that. By the way, where have you been all this time? I've been missing your face, you know!"

Subaru blinked, rendered speechless for a few seconds. He was not expecting to see her so energetic and healthy. And did he hear her right? Had she really missed him?

"Not Reiji." He burped, unable to offer a proper response.

Yuuki giggled nervously. "I can see that. What brings you here today?"

Subaru's face darkened, reminded of the reason why he had come to see her in the first place.

Yuuki immediately grew serious, as his expression told her that he wasn't here for fun and games.

"What's the matter?" Her maternal instincts switched on as her "antenna" picked up on distress signals. Equating her to a loyal puppy was truly a proper comparison. She was acting just like man's best friend - upset when those around her were sad, content when those around her were happy. Her sense of emotions were as keen as any female's, regardless of whether it was a dog-like characteristic or not.

"I thought that you had the right to know..." Subaru started.

A/N: Ugh, I know. Another cliffhanger... I'm busy, guys. I promise that I'll finish this mini-arc as soon as possible, so please bear with me. Until then, I hope you enjoy this little chapter and have a wonderful day ^_^ But in regards to the actual developments brewing - I think it's a good thing that Subaru had not seen Yuuki until her spirits were back up. We need some serious healing here.