Once in the hut Iku assisted her to sit down on her futon and arranged some pillows for her to be comfortable.

"You shouldn't have done that, being pupped." Iku said.

"I…" Hikari began.

"Who knows what type of stresses performing an act like that put upon you." Sighing Iku lowered her head somewhat. "May I ask you something?"

"Yes, of course." Hikari replied.

"Were you hiding it out of fear I would be nasty to you?" Iku asked the words sticking in her throat somewhat. As Hikari took a deep breath and her eyes began to fill with tears Iku knew the answer.

Sitting closer to her she wrapped her arms around her shoulders pulling her to her in a comfortable embrace.

"You…called me your daughter." She whispered out as she returned the gesture.

"Is that alright with you?"

"Oh yes. Yes. It made me very happy." Hikari said quickly resting her head against Ikus shoulder.

"I am here for you. Whatever you need or require, I will not hurt you again or make the same mistake twice. I know that the way I was only hurt myself." Iku assured.

"The west is a good place. This compound is full of love and acceptance. Kiyoshi said this time will be different because there are so many here who care for us." Hikari sniffled out.

"Funny. Riku convinced me that the west was a good place to have a pup because of how peaceful it is here." Iku replied with a smirk.

"Well, they are father and son. Similar in ways that I have seen." Hikari laughed out softly.

"They are." Loosening her hold on Hikari they parted and Iku took her in for the first time in a long time. She remembered the first time Riku had introduced them to one another.

Hikari had been small and waif like with large round green eyes and wild red hair. She had always been hesitant and quiet with a much thicker accent in her younger years. Iku had introduced her to Mizuki and Hikari had become her Second Lady in waiting while Iku had remained her first.

Iku had already been training to be a healer and herbalist to help Mizuki when she needed her not trusting anyone aside form herself to care for her female.

After Iku had banished Hikari and been mated and bred by Riku she had spread the rumors and the lies to keep Hikari away, needing someone to blame and hate to make her own actions seem right.

Mizuki had been furious with her and refused to see her until she was close to whelping Kiyoshi. She knew Mizuki had tried to get Hikari back by her side as she saw her as a friend but the damage had been done and they all suffered because of it.

"Hikari. I don't deserve the right to call you my daughter or my friend. Thank you for letting me." Iku managed out swallowing hard. "I was an idiot, blinded by bitterness and hate. I am so sorry."

"Iku, we have talked about this. It is past and I think you need to forgive yourself more than anyone else." Hikari said taking her hands.

"Myself." Iku repeated inhaling a sharp breath. "I…don't even know where to begin."

"How about I make us some tea and you can relax. Think on it and if you wish to share with me then do so." Hikari offered her a soft warm smile that she bathed in.

"No. I will make the tea. You stay sitting." Squeezing her hands before letting her go she stood up. Watching her Hikari gave a small appreciative nod.