Butterflies

"Me? I'm nobody. I'm not skilled like Uchiha-san. I am not passionate like Haruno-san. I am not smart like Nara-san. I'm not as strong as Chouji-san. I'm not as collected as Aburame-san. Or as pretty as Yamanaka-san. I'm not as confident as Inuzuka-san. If anything, I'm like Hyuuga-san, socially awkward. Oh wait, no, she's just shy. The socially awkward one is me." OC! Team 7 remix!

Chapter 67 – Little things

8-8

"Silence isn't an answer this time. I will ask you to verbally acknowledge that you are standing down and will not hamper further talks to solve the problem." I gaze at the councilman, who is obviously still seething.

He grumbles.

"Speak in a manner befitting your status, councilman. Or I will treat you in a manner befitting your speech." I warn, hating that I'm talking so prim and proper.

"Hey, moron!" Naru-nii decides to put in his two Ryou. "She usually doesn't warn this often. So trust me, she is trying to work with you. Push her any further, and I don't think you want to know where this will go."

The man eyes 'Kashi-nii and Jiraiya, then closes his eyes. He takes a few deep breaths, visually calming down. "Namiki-sama, I apologize. I assure you, peace is at the forefront of my mind." I could pick on his word choice, seeing as that doesn't mean slitting my throat isn't in the back of his mind. Honestly, it probably is. I can't say I blame the man, I wouldn't be any different.

I nod, accepting it for what it is. "Very well. I believe my portion has been handled. Daddy?"

I step back, out of the limelight, and I let daddy and Jiraiya handle their bits. Tsu and Hitomi flank me once again. But I keep noticing how one of the remaining three Anbu keeps skulking closer to me.

Snap!

Another Anbu is shackled to the ceiling. "Princess?" Daddy asks, wondering what's going on.

"Sorry to interrupt. Not the intention." I say, meaning it. "Anbu-san, is there a reason you keep coming closer and closer to me in a sneaky, assassin-like manner?"

"…" Silence isn't golden. Unless it's a golden kunai pressed against your throat.

"Daddy. Really. I'm trying to help these talks stay peaceful, but we both know I'm going to start breaking people if this keeps up." I warn one last time, my tone souring.

"If that's what it takes for those present to understand the situation?" Daddy shrugs, acting like he doesn't care. "So tell me, esteemed council, and present Anbu. Do we need to start executing people for us to be taken seriously?"

"Nara-sama, you have my word that should another Anbu try that again, I will be the one to execute them." The jounin councilman from earlier assures daddy. "So I trust the remaining two will not make the same mistake." His tone is sharp as a kunai, as are his eyes. I think he understands that we really are here with peaceful intentions, even if our methods are crude and harsh. After all, two Anbu Operatives initiated an attack, and there are still no casualties on either side.

"Very well, I will hold you to that." Daddy nods, his posture more alert than it usually is. His tone is just a little sharper than usual as well. This isn't the lazy, laid back man I've come to know, this is Konoha's Jounin Commander. A man that knows the power he wields, and how to use it.

"As I was saying. The three detained will be interrogated in Konoha. Should we find them guilty of crimes against Konoha planned and put into action after the invasion, they will be put to death immediately. However, there is still the matter of ensuring not just this Council, but all of Sand is aware of just how delicate your situation truly is. As such, Hokage-sama has asked that the following demands be met immediately."

Daddy starts listing things, materials to be delivered, meetings between the Wind Daimyo and Fire Daimyo that Sand must arrange. The hefty price tag, not including the cost of this S-rank mission that Sand will be pay before the day is through.

"However, I am not without sympathy for your situation. I am aware that the true reason behind this was a show of strength because your daimyo has been outsourcing missions to our village. As such, I also bring good news. An offer of trade from the Naras, Yamanakas and Akimichis. We grow, among other things, herbs and spices you would consider exotic, and you could perhaps use this either to sell to your own people, or to other villages here in the Land of Wind. Though the short term gain is limited, it has many potential long term benefits, should you be interested."

8-8

The meeting is dragging out. Eventually it's time for a break, so I shuffle my two Anbu 'buddies' to me.

"I'm tired of polite and proper. If I let you go, will you give me a reason to kill you?" I ask point blank.

"No, Namiki-sama." They answer as one.

"I suggest you don't. Mind your step." I say, releasing them both instantly. They drop, already in a kneeling position and facing me.

"Thank you, Namiki-sama." They intone, moving WELL away from me and mine.

The jounin I'd spoken to before cautiously walks up to me, his steps measured, his hands visible and held up as a sign of surrender. "May I speak with you?" He asks politely.

"Only if you can stand me speaking plainly. I'm done with the crap I've had to put up with." I glare at him dully, wondering what he wants. "So speak. What's on your mind, mister…?"

"Call me Taiju. I… want to thank you." He says, his tone humble, his eyes downcast. "Your people are in a position of power, and yet you play by the rules. You defend your own, but do not spill Sand blood. There aren't many, not even of the Council, who would do the same." He looks hurt to have to admit that.

I shrug, not caring. "Namikis have always been different. My honour and my pack are all I care about."

"I understand." He nods. "Thank you again. And please, should something upset you? I would deal with it personally to ensure these talks go as smoothly as is possible."

8-8

"Nara-sama, please let me assure you that we will meet the demands without question. We also have gathered the funds, as requested." Here one of the Anbu brings a suitcase and offers it to daddy.

"I'll take that, if you don't mind." Jiraiya steps in. He makes a show of counting the money, checking the suitcase for traps, seals and whatnot. Satisfied, he seals it away.

"As well. We would like to assure you that there will be no further… incidents in the future."

"I should hope not." I murmur, knowing that only the jounins would hear me.

"We, however, do have a request?"

"… Being?"

"Would it be possible to arrange for the brothers to be returned to us?"

"No." I answer. The room drops into silence as a little killing intent leaks out, unable to contain my anger entirely.

"Namiki-sama, might I know the reason?" Taiju asks.

"Because Gaara is now finally finding peace." I say, my tone unbending. "He is making friends, people that know he's a jinchuuriki and couldn't care less. He is finding out that he has a passion for music, and is learning to play the koto. He is discovering his passion for Kabuki theatre like his brother. He is discovering his talents as a writer."

They look at each other, unsure if this is the same Gaara they once knew.

"Whoever sealed the Shukaku in him did a piss poor job. The One-tail was constantly trying to drive him insane, never letting him rest. And your treatment of him only made things worse. Returning him to you now is like sending a wounded rabbit into a wolf's den." Or telling me not to eat chocolate – bad things are bound to happen.

"… I see." Taiju says, sorrow in his eyes. He's letting me see that.

"As I understand it, Baki will be travelling to Konoha soon. Should he be allowed an audience with the Sand Trio, he will be able to see for himself just how different Gaara is from the supposed monster you hated and abused." I keep my tone completely neutral, even though more and more killing intent is seeping out without me wanting it too.

"Sis. It's alright." Naru-nii wraps an arm around my middle. I close my eyes and take a few dep breaths. "Please understand, Aya has taken the Sand Trio into her home, not into her house. If she feels they will be treated unfairly, she'd sooner die than let them return."

"I understand." Taiju says, his tone solemn. "Please, Namiki-sama. What would you require to believe we wish for the brothers to return so that we might have a chance at selecting the next Kazekage?"

That throws me for a loop. "Gaara isn't ready to be the Kazekage." I say.

"You believe him the better candidate?" He asks, curious but also shocked.

"He will be, given time." I tell him honestly. "Gaara is the ultimate defensive fighter, now that he isn't trying to kill everything that moves. He is starting to connect with people, starting to learn how to love others. I do not doubt he would give his life in a heartbeat, if it meant protecting people he cares for. However, it will take patience and strong bonds. He has neither here in Sand."

"… You seem to understand jinchuuriki quite well." Taiju smiles a little, eyes focussed on Naruto-nii.

"Maybe I do. But the results speak for themselves." I give nothing away, but I'm sure he already knows what he needs to. "As for what I would need? Hmm. Naru-nii?"

"He'd need someone from Sand, other than his siblings, he can grow close to. Someone loyal to Sand, and still able to look up to Gaara as a person, and not just a weapon." Naru-nii says, shrugging. "Not that you idiots could find someone like that, but… I don't doubt sis would trust Sand more if that were offered to him."

"… I see. I have a suggestion." Taiju says, smiling a little. "What if we were to offer Gaara-dono a team of fresh genins to train? They could move to Konoha, temporarily." Wow. I'm actually impressed that he used the 'dono' honorific for Gaara. That's usually reserved for lords and noblemen. He doesn't hate Gaara. That's a start.

"Hnn? Fresh genin would be the lowest possible security risk. And the bond between student and sensei is something you're looking for, isn't it, Imouto-chan?" 'Kashi-nii thinks out loud.

"I pick the three." I demand.

"Of course." Taiju smiles warmly. "I would offer the same to Kanuro-dono as well. And, should you be willing to offer just a little trust to me personally… I would like to offer two ladies in waiting and a manservant to Temari-dono."

"Personal opinion." I begin, meeting his gaze. "Kankuro has a long way to go in his own training. Offering him a team now might hamper that. Then again, it might be the push he needs to bloom. Either way, he's not taking a team to Konoha. I would trust returning him to you on Baki's return from Konoha, should Senju-san approve, of course. As for Temari…? Why? You know you're essentially sending three people to Konoha without the choice of returning."

"Because she deserves as much." Taiju says, his eyes downcast. "She would have died during the invasion. She would have remained in prison. And she certainly would have been executed for the assassination attempt. And yet, she lives. We owe her nothing less."

"… Show me the three you have in mind and I will consider it." I tell him. "But, frankly, I have spent enough time here. Daddy, let me know when you're ready to come home?"

"Will do, princess."

-Asami?-

I feel the pull, giving in instantly. I'm in my office, back in Konoha. Asami's relaxing on the couch. Yuzuki is taking on nap with her head on Asami's chest. Chouji's sitting with Tsuren and her pups, who are also taking a nap.

I take a seat at my desk, and take out the summoning scroll. It takes me a second to isolate Tsu and Hitomi, but I summon them without too much trouble. They nod to me, happy to be home. Hitomi heads out, but I'm not sure what for. We're in the den, so she tends to just disappear for whatever reason. I trust her.

-Keep me posted, Naru-nii. I will be here in my office waiting.-

-That guy wants to know how you're supposed to select the three if you're in Konoha.-

-Easy, he's supposed to select a group worth my time and bring them to Konoha for me to inspect and select from. So there had better be more than three for me to choose from. Did he think I'd give them back their future Kazekage without them putting in some serious effort?-

-Sounds about right. Kakashi's bored though. You mind bringing him home?-

'Kashi-nii is in front of me not a moment later. "Miss your darling already?" I tease.

"Of course."

8-8

It's almost dinner time when Naru-nii tells me they're ready to come home. So I summon him, daddy and Jiraiya. And just in time for Senju-san to knock on the door, too. "Ah. There you are." She says, seeing the last of the team arriving. "How'd it go?"

"We got everything we demanded and some bonuses. However they want to negotiate to get Kankuro and Gaara back." Daddy explains. "Aya has the three from the council for Ibiki's entertainment. And Sand should be sending a few teams to Konoha in the near future. Including Baki, who'll want to see the Trio. No promises were made, it's all your decision."

"I see. And how did our little princess handle her first shakedown?" Senju-san is amused.

"Pretty well. You know her, she went and made a new friend. Taiju, the late Kazekage's personal Anbu guard." Daddy is just as amused.

"So that's why we got along so well." I muse, but shrug. I really don't care. "He'll probably be with one of the teams coming. Part of the conditions for me to consider sending Gaara back includes them giving him a genin team while he's still here. Funny, that I didn't promise I'd convince you though. Hmm. I'll have to work on that."

Senju-san is not disappointed with the report, it seems. "Now if you all don't mind, I need to talk to daddy, Jiraiya and Senju-san about something I believe is important." Naru-nii nods, already heading out and taking Chouji with him.

I walk over to my wolves, petting each of the pups and thanking them. "I hope you'll stay for dinner?"

"Thank you, Aya, but no. We must head back. I miss hunting." Tsuren says. I can't say I'm surprised.

"Tsuren, thank you for your help me these past days." I say, meaning it. "I'd never have managed without you."

"For the pack." She says, before turning to her pups and they poof away as one. I'm not sure why she was willing to stay the extra four hours, but I'm not complaining. I nod, sealing the room and activating the privacy seal.

"Please have a seat." I motion to the couch and the two regular chairs. "I'll get straight to the point. Hitomi's Caged Bird seal is no more. I've discussed it with her on the way to Sand, and if I can come up with a way to permanently keep her away from the Hyuugas, she's all for it. Is there any way your three can think of to get this done?"

"A really simply way, actually." Senju-san says, looking at daddy and Jiraiya, obviously wondering why they didn't bring it up already. "All she has to do is denounce them publicly and on paper, and she's a free agent. You could then offer her asylum within the Namiki clan, or hire her on as a retainer. Or she could just move in and you could not care what to call it."

"But… that would create a problem with Namiki-Hyuuga relations." I point out. Not something I want. "That could spill over into Uzumaki-Hyuuga relations, and ruin Naru-nii's chances for marriage talks without Hinata having to do exactly that. And that would kill her."

"Ah… I didn't know things were that serious between them?" Senju-san narrows her eyes, wondering what else she's missing. Something clicks though. "Is that why you two didn't suggest it?"

"It is." Daddy admits.

"Nn." Jiraiya nods as well.

"… What if I make a backroom deal with Hyuuga-sama himself? I mean, with the magic we're working on his daughters? With the relationship between them growing stronger every time he visits? That has to give me some leeway, right?" I think about that. "Daddy?"

"Plausible, but risky. If he's against it, that could create more problems than it solves."

"… True… But if it does go south, I could ask Dragon to station her here semi-permanently, and it works out to the same thing?" I wonder about that. "… But Hyuuga-sama might start trying to actively work against Hitomi being in Anbu… wouldn't he?"

"He can't. Joining Anbu is a personal choice, not something he can legally influence." Senju-san counters. I breathe a little easier.

I think about that. "Okay. So what we're looking at is two options. One is talking to Hyuuga-sama and seeing if he's receptive. The other is having Dragon station Hitomi here and things staying exactly as they are. Right?"

"That about sums it up, yes." Daddy agrees.

"Alright, thank you." I unseal the door and deactivate the privacy seal. "Tsu, I need you to find Hitomi for me. I need to talk to her."

8-8

As luck would have it, Hitomi isn't against talk to Hyuuga-sama, and the man himself happens into our den on his own not an hour later. So I invite him into my office for a private chat. Just him and myself. Not even Tsu is allowed.

"Please have a seat." I motion to the couch and activate the two seals once again. I seem to be busy for someone that just got back from Sand. "Hyuuga-sama, I wish to discuss something I value. Hyuuga Hitomi's freedom." I don't beat around the bush.

"I see…" He doesn't even vaguely hint at what he's feeling.

I sit down on the couch beside him, turning to him while still sitting comfortably. I think I'll go buy that extra couch tomorrow, after I get paid for that mission. I could really use it. "Is there an agreement we can come to, to allow for her to be free of the Hyuuga clan?"

"You don't beat around the bush, do you." He sounds amused.

"Not when it comes to my pack." I meet his gaze. "Hitomi would give her life for me. That kind of loyalty deserves to be rewarded."

"Has she told you? Why there's so little love between the clan and herself?" He wonders.

"I can guess, but no. She doesn't talk about it, and I don't need to know." I wait; he seems to be thinking about something. "I'm not interested in hearing about it from you. If she wants me to know, she'll tell me."

"… Even if it puts you at risk?" He asks cautiously.

"Is your clan likely to retaliate?" I ask him, raising an eyebrow.

"… She's a lesbian."

"… So the Hyuugas aren't going to retaliate?"

"Aya-san, be serious. She could… try something untoward."

I blink…

I blink again…

"You're serious."

"Yes. It's why the women of the Cadet Branch avoid her." He's serious. Oh my Kami. He's actually serious.

"Then I'm twice as glad she wants to get away from your clan. What do you want for her freedom? It's obvious she won't do anything to get pregnant, so you don't have to worry about the Hyuuga genes or secrets falling into my hands. So I think we can not worry about that, correct?" He's just gazing at me. And not blinking. "Something on my face?"

"You're serious." He sounds surprised.

"She bathes with me and my packmates twice a day. Nothing 'untoward' has happened. I think I'll take my chances. Now, what do you want in exchange for her freedom?" I wonder if I should point I that I won't stop her from dating whoever she pleases, but decide it's better not to.

"…" I think I broke him. "…" He's just sitting there, staring. "…" He opens his mouth to speak a few times, but the words just won't come out.

"Hiashi." He blinks. "Hitomi's freedom. Name your price." He blinks again. Yup. He's broken.

"Nothing." He eventually manages. "Only… I cannot reveal how to remove the Caged Bird Seal."

"So, just to be sure, Hitomi is now freed from the Hyuuga clan and may continue to live among the Namikis or wherever she pleases. Correct?"

"Well… No. I still have to fill in the paperwork and file it at the Tower. But, in actuality, yes. She is." We shake on it and I –politely– kick him out of my office, already calling for Tsu and Hitomi, who were waiting right outside.

8-8

It takes me almost fifteen minutes of pacing back and forth to soothe my nerves. I've been mumbling and cursing stupid idiots the whole time, but that isn't very soothing, so it takes longer than it usually would.

"Is everything alright?" Tsu asks, worried.

"I'll know for sure in a few days, but as things stand he's going to file that Hitomi be freed from the Hyuuga clan." I say, still pacing and muttering. I can't believe that man –their whole clan– treats her so poorly because of who she's attracted to. It's disgusting!

"That's… good, right?" Tsu is even more worried now. But poor Hitomi is closed to tears; in a good way.

"It's wonderful." I say. "It just pisses me off."

"What does?" Tsu is really not liking this. She's looking between me and Hitomi, wondering what's going on. "And why are you suddenly so nervous, 'Tomi?"

I stop pacing, heave a sigh and turn to Hitomi, sorrow in my eyes. "He told me. How those idiots treat you and why." She looks ready to cry, in a bad way. I walk up to her, hugging her. She's stiff from shock, unsure what to think. "… I'm sorry. That you had to put up with them. I'm… I'm so sorry."

"… I… huh?" Oh kami, poor thing. She probably understands that I accept her, but is so used to not being accepted that it's too weird to come to terms with it.

"I don't know if it's true or not. But he said that the main problem has been your sexuality. That you're attraction to girls." I say, still hugging her tight. "I don't know if it's true, and I don't care. I trust you, Hitomi. And I want you to be happy."

She starts crying. Her tears cascade down my cheek, her chin quivers, she starts clutching my kimono top and refuses to let me go. I hold her just the same way. "It's alright, 'Tomi. We're here for you, okay?" Tsu gets in on the action, sandwiching Hitomi from behind. "We're not going to let those idiots ruin your life anymore. I promise."

"I… you guys…" She tries saying something over and over again, but the words just won't come. "Thank you." She eventually manages.

"For what? Our work is only just beginning! We need to find you a worthy mate now!" I tease, hugging her a little tighter. "I have no idea how hard it's going to be to find you someone you can connect with, but I won't give up on you." I thought she was emotional before, but she really starts blubbering when those words sink in. Poor thing. Kami, people can be so stupid sometimes! Not Hitomi! I mean those idiots from the Hyuuga clan!

8-8

The next day. The big day arrives. The entire Namiki compound is decorated, white and green ribbons are everywhere. Kashi-nii's eight ninkens are helping with whatever they can. The Anbu Operatives are helping to decorate – and taste if the food is good. And sampling the sake, wine and champagne. You never know, after all.

Mom and I are mostly focused on the bride, so mom left Mariko-san and Remi-san in charge downstairs. The three of us are doing all we can to keep each other from crying, and sucking at it.

At least Yasu-nee has pregnancy hormones to blame.

Yasu decided that mom, Sakiko and I need to dress up supremely over the top, so we spent well over fifty-thousand Ryou on each of our kimonos. Each. Seriously. I didn't know you could spend that much on a kimono. The Uchikake –or wedding– kimono, sure. That's a special occasion kind of thing, so spending that much isn't that big a deal.

However, Yasu-nee refused to let mom even consider wearing anything other than kurotomesode kimono – traditionally worn by the mother of the bride and groom. And let me tell you, those things are. NOT. CHEAP!

My sister's worth it though. She is so worth it.

She even convinced me to splurge and buy Sakiko and myself an irotomesode kimono. So many fricking types! But, this type is worn by close relatives of the bride and groom. Sure, you could –technically– wear them for any occasion, but considering the price, the dress code needed for such a thing? Unless you're a daimyo's daughter, odds are it's just for weddings of close relatives.

"I can't believe it's happening." Mom covers her nose and mouth, obviously trying not to burst out in tears again.

"Mom, please. We just fixed her makeup for the fifth time. Stop making her cry!"

"Oh, hush you! It's not every day a daughter of mine gets married!" Thank heaven for that! We'd run out of makeup!

"You're going to be the one to fix her makeup. And I'll make sure you're the one that explains why we're running late." I point out. "See! Aw, sis, come on don't cry." I rush to her, handkerchief ready to save what I can of her makeup. Again!

"Sweetie, it's alright. It's not like I need much of a push." She rolls her eyes, but she isn't fighting me. Luckily, I got to her in time, for once. So we don't have to reapply.

"I still can't believe you wouldn't let me do your hair." Mom complains.

"Kashi-chan won't care. The uchikake is already over the top enough." She says, smiling and rolling her eyes. "I like it more this way." She takes my hand squeezing it. We share a smile.

"You look beautiful." I tell her.

"Thank you… Aya…"

I have no idea what she's thanking me for, but the depth of emotions in her eyes tells me it's not for the compliment. I'm not sure I care. Whether this is about the money spent on the kimonos, the decorations, the rush order wedding cake. I don't care. "You're worth it." I say, meaning it with all my heart. She almost bursts into tears again.

"Now look who's making her cry."

"Hush."

8-8

The practical part that, as discussed, takes place first to get it out of the way. The official signing of the papers. Kakashi signs, both as husband and as Hatake clan head. Yasu signs as bride. I sign as Namiki clan head. Senju-san signs as Hokage, then stamps it with her rubber stamp to make it legal.

The rest of the ceremony is short, sweet. Senju-san actually wears her Kage robes this time, too! The entire pack is here to bear witness to the least likely event in history: Hatake Kakashi is getting married!

I'm the maid of honour. Tenzo's the best man. Sakiko is the flower girl. Katsuo the ring bearer. Daddy walks her down the aisle. It's… so not your usual traditional Japanese wedding. Still, it fits. We're not your traditional Japanese family, after all.

The vows are short, to the point, but deep and meaningful all the same. They vow to stay united, faithful to each other, until death do they part.

Yasu-nee's hand is trembling as she fumbles with his ring. Eventually, he decides to help her, sticking his finger into it. She smiles, takes a deep breath, and she slides his wedding ring on his finger.

He takes her ring from Katsuo, saying his vows, and effortlessly slides it onto her finger.

Then comes the part I know mom and I are going to be in tears over.

"I now pronounce you… husband and wife." Senju-san says, her tone solemn to match the seriousness of the situation. "You may kiss the bride."

They kiss. And they kiss. And we howl to show the pack will always be there to support them.

The Namikis howl. The Uzumakis howl. The Yukis howl. Kakashi's dogs howl. Everyone else cheers, but that's okay. Bride and groom turn to the crowd, ignoring the overzealous Minori taking pictures every other second, and they walk down the aisle together, united… married.

Part of me sees my big sister walking away from me as being symbolic. I'm too happy for her to care.

8-8

After dinner and the whole cake cutting thing, with her sitting between Tsu and I for support, Hitomi gets everyone's attention. "Hey, guys? I… have an announcement to make." Everyone quiets down, giving her the attention she deserves. "Thanks. Umm… I'm not sure if you've already heard or not, but the paperwork was finalised today. Senju-san confirmed it when she arrived."

I shake my head, amused. I bump her with my shoulder, smiling when she turns to me. She smiles a little as well, unsure and nervous, but a smile. I hook my arm around hers, hugging it to let her know I'm here. That I'll always be here for her.

"Sorry, this is a bit much for me right now." She says, her gaze not wavering from mine. She sighs. "I'm officially no longer a Hyuuga. Hiashi signed away all claims to me, essentially disowning me."

Most look confused, some look like they're about to blow a fuse. But Hitomi looks relieved. Overwhelmed, emotional and a half second from crying, but still relieved.

"I know you think this is a bad, thing, but it isn't. It's the best thing that ever happened to me." She admits, smiling through the tears. "They couldn't accept me because I'm a lesbian, so Aya talked to Hiashi. She was… and still is… willing to pay any price for my freedom. Even after he told her why I'm treated so poorly."

I'm sooooo glad I removed my makeup already. Now I don't have to worry about mucking it up.

"Aya-nee, what's… a levbian?" Sakiko asks, confused. She 'borrowed' my lap during dinner again.

"A lesbian, sweetie. It means that she's a girl that like girls. In the same way I'm a girl that likes boys." I say.

"Kinda like how Ao-chan is a boy that likes boys?" She asks, uncertain.

"That's exactly right, baby girl." I pet her hair.

"So… why don't the Hyuugas like her?" She's really confused now. "I mean, Mimi-nee's been the nothing but nice to everyone, hasn't she?" What is it with Saki and these nicknames? Whatever, I can't say I'm much better.

"Some people are just stupid like that." I explain, petting her hair.

"I couldn't agree more. That's stupid! Don't worry, Mimi-nee! You're safe with us! We'll love you no matter who you like!" Saki glomps the –once again– overwhelmed Hitomi.

"A toast!" Kashi-nii raises his saucer. "To Namiki Hitomi. May she fall in love with the best girl for her!"

"Namiki Hitomi! Kanpai!" Everyone toasts, sips their sake, and take turns telling her how they think guys suck too.

"Uh, guys? I'm not a Namiki." Hitomi tries.

"Yet." Chouji points out, his cheeks and ears red from drinking sake for the first time. "You really think Aya's gonna to let you walk around without a sense of family?"

"To family!" I raise my saucer. It's my sister's wedding. Of course I'm going to have a drink. Or three.

"To family! Kanpai!"

8-8

End Chapter 67

8-8

A/N: Not the action you were expecting, I'll bet. Don't worry. I (usually) stick to my word. Just not when it comes to updating, it seems.