Hello everyone! How's it going?
Happy New Year to all!
And yes, it's February already! The month of January is already passed, and the year 2021... well it follows its course, we will say.
Well, we are not here to talk about me, but to see a little what happens after the fight during the last two chapters. And I hope you'll enjoy the interactions! Here we go!
CHAPTER 6: CURIOSITY…
Naegi Residence
04/11/2000, 09 : 00 PM
Weekends
It is a succession of two days that allows everyone to rest, to better resume the week. This rest was necessary, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
And it was even more necessary for one family in particular.
"Hhrrrrmmm... "
Makoto's eyes opened gently, as the sun's rays lit up his room. Slowly, he straightened up in his bed, rubbing his eyes.
He said, "Okay. Well... it's a new day ahead."
The usual cheerfulness in his voice could not be heard this morning. He still remembered what happened yesterday.
It all happened so fast. Between Mikan's revelations, Natsumi's wrath and her punishment by Ruruka... it was a lot.
And now Mikan was in their house, as a guest. If he had to guess, she was probably getting up with Komaru in her room too... and maybe the girls weren't in their normal state either.
This thought was enough for him to get out of bed. 'Well, I'd better go and see them. I'd better make sure they're all right... I owe them that.'
He had promised them all that he would make things right between them after all.
"KYAAAA!"
THUD!
"T-Tsumiki-san!"
He heard voices from the wall overlooking his sister's room and the sound of falling. Did she fall? I have to go and see!
He jumped out of bed, ran out of his room and knocked on the door. "Komaru?! Mikan!? Are you all right? »
"Yes, yes, don't worry! You can come in! »
Which he did without delay, opening the door of his sister's room... and realizing that Mikan was indeed on the floor.
"She tripped on one of the boards," Komaru explained, comforting her on the floor. "I think it's happened at the zoo before..."
"I-I'm sorry!" Mikan cried out in tears. "I-it happens to me all the time, even when I'm careful!"
"Hey, it's okay!" Makoto approached her right away, stooping down to see her ankle. "You don't look hurt. Are you okay?"
" Y-yes... " Mikan clammed up, a little disconcerted by his attitude. "D- Does it really not bother you?"
Komaru laughs a little. "Of course not. From time to time, it happens to us too."
"Yes, that's okay." Makoto smiled at him. "We're here, don't worry."
The poor girl began to blush at the sight of his face. "T... thank you..."
"Children? what's going on?"
Kotoya's voice was heard, and the children saw the adults enter the room looking worriedly at Mikan, Mariko walked towards her. "Well, what happened to you? Did you fall down? Did you hurt yourself? »
"Humm... it's nothing..."
"We're going to check that, sweetheart. Come on, come here."
"Huh?" Mikan was very surprised when she felt Mariko lift her up and take her like a princess. "Hiiii?"
"Don't worry, a nice hot chocolate should make you feel better. You'll love it."
The poor woman had no idea how to react to this situation. She wondered if she was dreaming... and she didn't want to wake up in that case.
The dream was just too good for her.
"And that's it! Feast your eyes!"
Mikan took the cup of hot chocolate that his parents had given him. The warm sensation of the drink was indescribable, but it was the kindness of the family that was close to his heart. She just watched the chocolate drink and didn't know what to do.
"Don't worry, it's not hot!" Makoto encouraged her, "Just be careful to take small sips just in case."
Mikan looked at him for a moment, then she gently tilted the cup towards her mouth. She felt the liquid flow into her mouth before gently swallowing a few sips. Then she put the cup on the table, and the little tears started to cry. "I...it tastes so good..."
"Come on, dearie, don't cry about it." Mariko laughs a little. "It's the first time you've tasted it?"
"Y-yes... I-I used to drink only water before..." Mikan smiles a little with tears. "I-I thank you so much for letting me taste it!"
"It's nothing, sweetheart. "Kotoya stooped down and stroked her hair. "Make yourself comfortable, okay? You're a guest of honor."
"Thank you... thank you very much...". Mikan continued to sob, before looking at the cup again. "D-do I... could I have another one in the morning?"
"Of course, sweetie." Mariko laughed slightly. "Today you're going to get some rest, okay? From what we've heard, you're in great need of care. Komaru?"
"Yes!" Komaru delicately took Mikan's hand in his. "Come with me! I'm going to make you beautiful!"
"W-what?" Mikan seemed hesitant. "B-but I don't even know how-"
"It's okay, I'll teach you everything! "Komaru guided her to the bathroom. "Don't worry, I learned everything from my mother! »
Once they were inside, Makoto looked at his parents. "What can I do? »
"Well, for now, let your sister take care of her. "Kotoya suggested. "Then suggest a little program, and stay with her, okay? »
"Yes. I think a little company would do him a lot of good. "Mariko nodded her head. "Maybe we can even invite someone? Nishizawa-san's daughter seems like a nice girl. We could call her to see if she can come by."
"That's a good idea!" Makoto smiles before he looks worried. "And... and his bandages? If she needs to change them... we've seen her scars..."
Mariko bent down to caress her son's cheek. "Let us take care of her when she needs it, okay? Don't worry about it."
"Yes, it's our job to take care of this." Kotoya nodded with the same smile. "Go have fun with them, okay?"
"All right..." Makoto nodded his head and then went to join the two girls.
Once he left, Kotoya looked back at his wife worriedly. "What do you think, Mariko? Should we... talk to Kuzuryu-san?"
Mariko seemed pensive for a moment, before looking at him seriously.
"...it's not like me to meddle in other people's business... but I hate it when parents pick on their own children, no matter what the circumstances."
"Woah... it's-it's pretty beautiful... I really like the dress she's wearing... "
"Did you see? I knew you'd like it!"
"Komaru loves this cartoon. It is one of his favorites."
"It's understandable... it's the first time I've seen it too..."
That's what the children said as they watched TV all together, watching one of Komaru's favorite anime, with Kiriko who joined them in the afternoon, which was a great pleasure for everyone, especially Mikan, who had enjoyed their day together, as the evening began to come.
She started to smile sadly. "I've never seen a cartoon before... Daddy never lets me see television..."
"Kiriko asked curiously. "Y-you mean you've never done this before?"
"No... Otoo-san leaves me in my room... alone...".
An uncomfortable silence was felt in the room. They all had Mikan's injuries on their minds, and the revelations they had made. They didn't want to make her uncomfortable again, or worse.
Suddenly, Mikan approached her gently, to give her a hug. "Hi-hiii?! "Mikan was very surprised by the gesture, but she didn't dare to do anything.
"From now on, when you're with us, we'll do whatever you want." Makoto said softly in her ear. "I really enjoy spending time with you."
The poor girl began to blush before Komaru joined him. "Me too! We haven't known each other for long, but I'll be with you all the way!"
"So will I..." Kiriko joins them with more shyness. "And then I promised that I wouldn't let anyone suffer any more without doing anything."
Mikan stood still for a moment, before she turned the gesture around, trembling with tears in her eyes. "Y-you don't have to do this..."
"But we want to, Mikan." Makoto answered without hesitation. "We're your friends. We want you to be happy, and we'll do our best to make that happen..."
Mikan started sobbing again, but more gently. "Thank you... thank you very much..." She moved away a little bit. "I-I'm sorry... I-I haven't washed in a long time... I must smell bad, huh?"
"Oh? Well... I didn't feel much... " Kiriko comforted her. "It's okay. After everything that happened, I don't think I would have thought of it too."
Makoto widened his eyes, remembering something, before whispering it to Komaru, who nodded his head before turning to Mikan. "If you want, Okaa-san can take care of you. She knows how to make bandages."
"Really?" Mikan looked at her nervously. "Y-you're sure that... that she won't mind?"
"She works in medicine; she knows how to take care of the sick." Makoto said with a smile. "She'll know how to take care of you."
"Yes, are we talking about me? Are you kids having a good time?"
Everyone turned to Mariko who had just entered, Makoto walked towards her. "Yes, everything's fine! Mikan doesn't want to bother you, but she'd like some help with her bandages. »
"Oh?" Mariko looked at her curiously. "Is it true?"
Mikan nodded nervously. "Y-yes, ma'am... if you don't mind, of course."
"Not at all, sweetie!" Mariko gently took her arm as she walked to the bathroom. "I was just about to go. Do you want to go together?"
"Y-yes!" Mikan smiles nervously. "I'd like that..."
"Mariko looked at the children with a smile. "I'm counting on you to be good, okay?"
"Alright!"
"Yes, Okaa-san!"
"All right..."
Once the two girls were in the room, Kiriko smiled, "She seems really nice... it was great of you to invite her. I would have liked to do the same, but I don't know how my family would have reacted... n-not that they didn't want to, but..."
"We believe you, don't worry. I'm just glad she's better." Komaru reassured her. "Anyway, I hope Mommy will be able to help her. I mean... with her bandages..."
"Me too. "Makoto nodded his head. "But everything will be okay. I'm sure it will. »
"Onii-chan..."
Kotoya then entered the room, looking at his son with a small smile. "Makoto? There's someone at the door. She's asking for you."
The boy raised an eyebrow, before cutting his head off. He turned to the girls with a smile. "Sorry, girls. I shouldn't be long. »
"Don't worry, we understand, Onii-chan! Go join her!"
"Y-yes, it's okay... we're waiting for you."
Makoto smiled before going to see who was waiting for him, and he was very surprised who it was. "P-Peko-chan?!"
She seemed slightly nervous, despite her efforts.
"Hello, Makoto-san. And to you too, Mr. Naegi. Forgive me for bothering you, but... I'd like to talk to you. In private, if possible."
"So, how do you feel? Is everything to your liking?"
"Y-yes... the water's warm enough... y-yes... and you're very soft."
"That's good. Come on, I'm starting to put the shampoo on the hair. Let me know if I'm pushing it a little."
"O-okay."
So, in the bathroom, Mariko would take care of Mikan, and would pass the shampoo on her hair delicately. While caressing them, she couldn't help but take a few of them. "You have beautiful hair, Mikan. It's a shame when those bullies cut it off. It ruins all the beauty you have. »
"O-oh, it's not that bad, ma'am..." Mikan tried to reassure her. "A-and then, I-I'm not that beautiful..."
"I don't think so. On the contrary, I think you're very pretty. And anyone who thinks otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about."
This comment made her blush, feeling the water flowing behind her head. "Y-you don't have to please me... m-but thank you very much."
Mariko didn't answer right away, cleaning Mikan's hair with the spray. "There you go. You don't have any shampoo in your eyes, I hope?"
"N-no, everything is fine, thank you."
"Well, now then..." Mariko took Mikan's arms, very gently. "I'm going to have to rub the soap on your body. But for that... you have to take off your bandages. I have left them on for you."
She became nervous. "A... are you sure, ma'am?"
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid so." Mariko smiles sadly at him. "Take your time, okay?"
Mikan looked at her nervously, then nodded his head and slowly took the bandages around his left arm. While trembling, she took them off, very gently... then she felt the mother lovingly embracing her.
"Oh, my poor darling..." The tone she used showed that she was very sad for her. "Why didn't you tell me? I would have healed those nasty scars."
"I-I'm sorry..." Mikan says very softly. "I didn't want to disturb you..."
"You don't bother me at all, Mikan. You're a lovely person, and you don't deserve the treatment you're getting." The little one felt a few drops fall on her head. "I thought you were in pain, but at this point... I feel like I've failed as a doctor."
"It's not your fault." Mikan tried to reassure her, offering her a hug herself. "You've done what you can, so don't blame yourself, please."
A moment of silence settled in the room, before Mariko looked at her with a small smile. "I'll tell you what I'll do: I'll stop feeling bad about it, and you stop blaming yourself for what you didn't do. How's that sound?"
Mikan looked at her confusedly for a moment before smiling. "It... it suits me..."
"Good, my little darling." Mariko smiles lovingly at him. "You're going to be all clean when you come out. Tomorrow we're going to get you some new clothes so that everyone can see how pretty you look. What do you say?"
Mikan felt small tears streaming down his cheeks, and for the first time, a real smile appeared on his face.
"That... that would be great, ma'am!"
Outside, in the garden, the atmosphere was more tense. The father of the family was the first to break the silence. "So... how is Natsumi-chan doing?"
"To be honest... she's seen better days. "Peko sighed, "She tries to make an effort with her attitude, but... it's easier said than done. I've seen her get carried away sometimes, before apologizing, but I can see that it frustrates her more than anything else..."
"I see..." Makoto looked sadly at the ground. "What happened yesterday really made her sad up. And to think I couldn't do anything about it..."
"You mustn't be hard on yourself, son. "Kotoya put his hand on his shoulder. "Arguments happens, unfortunately."
"It's true. And if I were to be honest, I suspected it could happen, but even if I had to choose... I'd rather have it happen now than when she is confronted with someone really dangerous." Peko added. "At least she's learning from her mistakes. »
"Perhaps..." Makoto didn't seem convinced. "But still, she's my best friend..."
"I know that. But it's better to leave her alone for a little while. "Kotoya smiles affectionately at her. "When you see her again, she will surely have already made progress."
"Yes, Natsumi doesn't blame you at all. I asked him the question." Peko added. "You are without a doubt the closest person to her outside the family. Don't worry about that."
Makoto looked her in the eyes, but... he seemed more determined. "S-so... you can tell her that when she's ready to talk about it, I'll be there. She needs to know that I'll do everything I can to help her. I've promised her that I will."
"And you'll help him when the time comes, son." Kotoya ran her hand through her hair with a smile and looked at Peko curiously. "But hey, we're getting lost. What are you doing here, Peko-san? I don't think you came here just to see us. You're usually always with Mr. Kuzuryu-san, aren't you?"
"That's right." Peko began, "Kuzuryu-san asked me to give you the following message. He thinks you deserve to know about the situation, and given your son's involvement, he also feels that he should know."
Makoto didn't immediately know what she was talking about, but he nodded his head to encourage her to continue. Kotoya, on the other hand... already seemed more serious and worried.
Peko closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before reopening them in a serious way. "We may have a lead on the truck incident you were involved in."
"What?!" Makoto widened his eyes before covering his mouth so as not to raise his voice." That... is it true?"
"Oh, really? "The father's tone was very serious. "And what exactly is that?"
"It was discovered that the man who died in his vehicle was carrying something important." Peko explained. "We already have his initial destination, and... and Kuzuryu-san wants to take care of it personally. He's very busy, that's why he sent me".
"Oh..." Makoto thought for a while, before a thought crossed his mind. "And... and you think that Natsumi-chan-"
"Trying to solve this case? Yes, absolutely. That's what she's trying to do," Peko clarified, "but her grandfather refused to involve her in these stories. He thinks she's too... emotional right now. You can imagine how frustrated she is with this."
"Yes, I understand..." Makoto stared at her. "It looks serious..."
"Yes, it's pretty shady. "Kotoya nodded his head. "Thank you for telling us that, Peko-san."
"That's what I've been asked to tell you." Peko frowned seriously. "Take care of yourselves, okay? Don't ever separate, no matter what the circumstances. You never know what might happen. »
"Okay. Thank you, Peko-chan." Makoto smiled at him before giving him a worried look. "But you take care of yourself, too, okay? Try not to put yourself in danger, too."
She hesitated for a moment, before nodding her head seriously. "This is my mission. But I thank you for your concern for me."
And with that being said, she left with a neutral look, going home under the worried eye of her friend.
'She also takes her role very seriously... I just hope that things will get better with time. For her, as for Natsumi and her family.' Makoto thought as he watched Peko leave. He knew she was loyal to the clan... but he wanted her to become his own person one day. That she could make choices for herself.
He felt his father shake him up a little. "Well, it looks like this story is moving forward a little. It's been a while since we've heard this story."
"Y-yes..." Makoto became a little nervous. "I-I don't want to remember that incident."
"Neither do we, champion. Neither do we. "Makoto sighed before smiling at him. "But don't worry, Makoto. I won't let anyone hurt anyone in the family. Okay, buddy?"
Makoto smiled reassuringly at his father. "That's all right..."
"Okay, big guy. "The father rubbed his hair again before standing up and taking his son's hand. "Come on, let's go inside. We have to wait until your mom finishes washing before we can tell her the news."
In the room, in front of the TV, the two girls were discussing everything and nothing. However, Komaru had noticed that she was quite... socially awkward. Very similar to Mikan, without being extreme either.
It was mainly the topic of conversation that she later brought up that this trait manifested itself. "So... I remember that you wanted to follow your parents' voice. But you didn't know where you wanted to go, right?"
"W-Well, to be honest, it always does..." Kiriko explained nervously. "I-I would like to find out about both areas before I make my decision... and I had already asked my mother all the details about her job..."
"Is that why you were in the hospital?"
"Well, I'm there a lot more often than that, actually. I try to... to visit my dad to see what he's doing... I-I think I told you that's what I'm doing because I finish school early sometimes..."
"Yes, I remember. "Komaru raised an eyebrow. "But... haven't you ever been spotted?"
"Oh no, the people at the hospital already know me, don't worry!" Kiriko smiles nervously at him. "And then, I'm more of the type to pass unnoticed, then..."
"...unnoticed? "Komaru looked at her sadly. "It looks sad... "
"I have been told that I am often discreet. I didn't talk much, and I didn't make a lot of noise... I don't think many people at school remember me...". Kiriko explained in an embarrassed way, before trying to reassure her. "B-but it doesn't matter! It doesn't bother me anyway! Besides, it doesn't bother me there…"
"But it's too sad! You have to find yourself all alone! That's why you wanted to stay with us! "Komaru exclaimed before taking her hands in hers. "Come on, it's decided! I won't leave you alone anymore! I'm going to invite you to everything I do as soon as we finish helping Tsumiki-san! No, wait, we can even start right now! Chieko will love you right now! »
"W-what?!" Kiriko seemed very surprised by the proposal. "W-wait-"
At that moment, Kotoya and Makoto appeared in the room, and they looked as if they heard what she said, as they were smiling at her. "Ah, so Kiriko-san wants to see us more often? As long as her father doesn't mind, she can come to us whenever she wants, of course!"
"Great! "Komaru celebrated and smiled at him. You'll see, we won't leave you behind!"
"W-Wait, I'm telling you it's fine!" Kiriko blushes, not knowing how to react. "I-it makes me happy, but I don't feel badly treated or anything!"
"It doesn't matter. You still deserve to have friends for yourself." Makoto smiled at her. "It'd be nice if you could have someone you could count on, don't you think?"
The girl with pink hair felt her cheeks blush, before she nodded gently. "That... that would be nice, yes, I think..."
"Everybody! We're done! "At that moment, Mariko and Mikan disembarked in the room, and apparently they too had heard what had happened. "So, Kiriko-san would like to join us too? That's good, tomorrow, we have to go and get new clothes for Mikan. If her father is willing, she can come with us." Mariko looked at her with a smile. "Would that make you happy, sweetie?"
"Y-yes! That would be great! "Mikan seemed happy, despite his red eyes from crying. She turned to her with this expression of joy. "W-what do you say? I-I don't want to force you, but... I think of you as... as a friend."
Kiriko looked at her for a little while before smiling at her. "I-I have to tell my parents first, but... I consider you a friend too. And I'd like to go with you too."
Mikan rushed to cuddle Kiriko, who returned the gesture, and soon Komaru and Makoto joined the group, under the tender eye of the parents.
The parents met in secret... to talk about the protection they were going to put in place tomorrow.
AND THERE IT IS! A new chapter, the first of 2021!
It wasn't easy, I tell you. Between work and the other projects, I have in mind, not ot mention the collab we did with my friend wesst1... well, I had to hurry. So here we are with the first chapter of this rather special year. And yes, it's not for nothing that it follows 2020.
Also… you remember what wesst1 and I told you on his story? About other writing projects? Well, I am currently writing it, and this is another reason why I'm going to ask for our dear beta reader to do his job after I'm posting the chapter, so I can focus on the other story. Also, no message from our friend, since he also has to cover up a lot of things.
Yup, this year, I'm going to let my creativity flow. Gotta make you people happy.
Anyway, tell me what you think of this chapter, it's important. See you in April, and hopefully things will be better. Bye!
Pupla out, Corona begone. Stay safe people.
