I apologize for any inconsistency you may find here.

For those who don't know the Sandman is, he is a mythical character in western folklore who brings good dreams by sprinkling magical sand onto the eyes of children while they sleep at night. Well, that was what Wikipedia said. I don't know how to explain it any better.

Note: Ojii-chan – grandfather/elder man, imouto – little sister, nee-san (onee-san) – older sister. German words are taken from google translate so if there is any mistake you see, correct me please. :3

The Sun rose in the horizon, as morning came to greet the Earth. Its rays shined through the crack openings of the curtains shielding many from the utter brightness. Apart from that, its heat was welcomed as the previous night was cold. Those up early and ready for the day have already gone about their lives. The daily routine of people living their lives; some monotonous, some exciting. You can tell apart which were which though. The looks on their faces tell everything unless of course, they have a poker face; then there was nothing you could learn.

Despite this hustle and bustle of people going on with their daily lives, two people still slept in the comfort of their soft and plush bed. There was a dim light in the room but that did not deter them from their sleep. The older of the two dreamt of flowers. She was lying in a bed of flowers, the smell of lavender permeating in the air. Her daughter was right next to her, both their locks of hair tangled in a mess. Their eyes were closed but they were still conscious. As the wind blew in their faces, so did a familiar voice float pass their ears. Immediately they open their eyes to see but were met with only the azure sky splattered around them.

A sigh escaped from her lips. Even though they could not see her, it still was nice to hear her voice again. It was good enough.

They both tiptoed across the living room quietly; it would be bad if they made any noise. As they neared a door, one of them put a hand on the other's shoulder. Caught by surprise, the other almost blurted a sound but was stopped by another hand that covered its mouth. Roughly removing the hand, the person harshly whispered,

"What?"

A smirk grew on the face of the idiot with the annoying hands.

"I wanted to ask what we are going to do once we go inside there. Is it going to be something humiliating?"

The other face palmed.

"No, you idiot! You and I both know that this isn't the time for these kinds of things, Nao."

"Well, I just thought it might serve as a distraction, Mai. You know, seeing as how they might be depressed and all," Nao replied, shrugging her shoulders.

"Oh. Sorry for calling you an idiot then Nao but I don't think that's such a good idea because it might backfire. We should try a 'won't make her so mad that she'll kill me' approach like….uhm…," Mai trailed off thinking.

"Like using this?" Nao said taking out something from behind her back.

Mai looked at it, somewhat surprised.

"Since when were you carrying this?"

"Since you told me to meet here. I thought I might need to come prepared since we're going into a lion's den or should I say a wolf's?"

"Wow, Nao. Heh. I didn't think you could have thought of something smart."

Rolling her eyes, Nao bit back an insult.

"Puh-lease, although I like to fool around a lot, I'm not dumb. Besides, how long have you known me? You of all people should know that I know how to plot."

She grinned, showing a few of her pearly whites. Mai sighed at her friend. She really is a difficult woman.

"Anyways, come on, let's go in."

Mai pointed her thumb over her shoulder toward the door behind.

"So we're using this?"

Mai nodded her head. She couldn't think of anything else. Before coming here, she had not think of anything other than to get pass the front door which she now realized, meant that she came unprepared.

"Are you doing it or do you want me to do it?"

"I'm doing it. I don't want to risk you doing something stupid and getting her upset."

"Fine, fine… It wouldn't work anyway if she is like what I think she is," Nao sighed.

Slowly and quietly, the two friends opened the master bedroom door and the motherly one stopped when her eyes fell on the two figures on the bed.

"Aww…," she almost squealed. Well, actually she did but Nao covered her mouth yet again.

"Ya, ya. I know you think they're cute and all but we don't want to alert them with your squeals."

Mai smiled sheepishly to Nao.

"Sorry."

"Whatever."

Nao pushed the item into Mai's hand and shoved her towards the bed.

"Off you go, fan girl."

"Now, Nao. No need to push, I'm going now."

Mai looked at her, barely hiding her mirth.

"Don't you dare say a freakin' word."

She glared at her, causing Mai to quickly turn around.

'Heh. Now…Nao…funny..'

She readied herself after a good mental laugh then strode closer to the bed.

'I hope this works.'

She took the item and opened it. However, she did not notice the slight twitch of an ear that followed.

Closing her eyes, slowly she brought the muzzle of the item towards a petite buttony nose. The owner of the said nose stirred slightly, registering the smell. Two eyes burst open and the body sat up straight.

A cry of "Mayo!" echoed throughout the whole neighbourhood for a split second. The neighbours all shook their heads. They knew who it was.

Mai quickly closed the bottle as Nao laughed behind her. She hadn't expected that reaction. This did not happen the last time she went near Natsuki with a bottle of mayonnaise. To react so strongly; she must have not eaten it for quite some time.

The other figure on the bed stirred. Her hands went up to rub her eyes. The Sandman had visited her last night it seems. Despite the rubbing, she was still half asleep.

"Mama?" her tiny mouth uttered.

"Huh?" Natsuki incoherently uttered, waking up from her mayo induced moment.

"What's going on here?" she spoke again, struggling to push back the haze in her mind.

"Um hi, Natsuki"

"Mai? How did you get in my house?"

"I had Nao help me."

"Nao?" she turned her head towards the other intruder.

"You picked my lock?" she shouted, pointing an accusing finger.

"Mai kindly asked me, and I, as a caring friend, decided to help her," Nao replied, smirking.

"That doesn't give you the right to break into my house!"

"And you! –she points to Mai- Why did you encourage her to do so?" she continued.

"Wha- I wasn't encouraging her. It was a one time thing. I needed to get in the house and Nao had the only solution."

Just as Natsuki was about to retort, a small hand planted itself on her shoulder.

"Natsuki-mama," a soft voice spoke, half laden with sleepiness.

Instantly, her head turned towards her little one; a rare smile plastered on her face. All signs of irritation vanished.

"Hi there, sweety. Did you have a nice rest?"

"Un. I did but I think mama shouldn't shout so early in the morning."

Natsuki's cheeks flushed red, embarrassed at herself.

"Not a word, you two," she said; her voice screaming silently of bloody murder at the other two present in the room who were about to burst into laughter.

If they could see her face right now, they certainly would not hold back and laughed even harder.

"Good morning, Mai-san and Nao-san," the girl greeted, finally noticing the guests in the bedroom. Her head bowed respectfully towards them in greeting.

"Mou, no need for such formalities, Shizuka-chan. Didn't I tell you to call me aunty?" Mai said.

"While you can call me Nao-sama," Nao chirped in, her usual grin in place.

"Nao!"

"Fine, fine. Nao it is then. Just call me Nao."

She did a victory sign, grinning once more causing Natsuki to sigh.

"So what are you both doing here?"

"Umm… you see, Natsuki. How should I say this…"

Mai fidgeted slightly, feeling somewhat nervous with what she was about to say.

"Alyssa called me last night."

"What? What did she say?"

"She and Konrad-san will be coming today."

"Eh? Why didn't she call me instead?"

"Because she knew you would panic if you knew that they were coming over. She didn't want you to worry over them. They are fine."

"Who said I would panic," she retorted.

Natsuki crossed her arms in display of her denial.

"Puh-lease, pup. We all know you threw a fit when Konrad wanted to come last week."

"He was already feeling better and the doctors already gave their okay," Mai continued.

"But he wasn't fully recovered yet! What if he relapsed? There are no doctors on the plane if something was to happen and they'll be in the air for like 10 hours," Natsuki interjected.

"See? Alyssa didn't want to worry you like that. She assures that Konrad-san is healthy enough to come here. They really want to see you; even more so since they couldn't come for the funeral."

"Yeah, I know… I miss them too."

"Don't forget me! Shizuka misses them too!" Shizuka cried, earning a smile and a pat on the head from her mother.

"Anyway, I came by to tell you to get ready because we have to leave for the airport in an hour."

"So soon?"

"Less time for you to worry," Mai smiled.

"Don't complain, pup. At least we didn't show up at your doorstep with them."

Sighing, Natsuki went off with Shizuka in tow to get ready for the day.

The flight was stifling. Ultimately, when it was over, the both of them regretted ever flying in the economy class when they could have afforded the first class with money to spare. It was stupid really, daring each other as to who was brave enough to sit amongst noisy people and in cramped seats for a good whole 10 hours. Really stupid.

"Do you think she'll get angry when she sees us?"

"Most likely. If she has Saeko's genes in her she probably would."

"But I have Saeko's genes too. Remember, same mother."

"Of course I know that. You have the same grandfather too right here."

A man with white hair pointed to himself as he walked with his blond companion to his right.

"You have inherited more of Kurogane's genes. Not to quick of a temper."

"But I got your genes in the looks department," the blond woman smiled, twirling her stray hair hanging loosely from the side of her face.

"…while Natsuki took after Saeko. Too bad none of you look like Kuro. He threw a fit saying it was unfair," the man chuckled.

"He did? That's just like him to do that."

As they neared the double glass doors, their conversation died down. Getting excited, the man walked faster. Impatient was he to see the people waiting for them.

"No need to rush, grandfather. You've just recovered," the woman said matching his pace.

"Don't fret over me. This old man here is as strong as he can be," he said while lightly punching her shoulder to emphasize his point.

"Yes, yes. I know you are restless but please don't push yourself. However strong you may be, you must take care of yourself. Even an athlete can get sick or injured if he is not careful."

"Oh pish-posh, walking faster can hardly do any harm. Sometimes you worry too much like Natsuki-chan."

"We are sisters after all. We're bound to have some similarities."

"Stop fidgeting," Mai voiced her irritation towards her blunette friend.

Natsuki wouldn't stay still and her incessant murmuring only served to further irritate her. Shizuka however, found it amusing and just watched as her mother paced back and forth across the polished floor.

"If only I had my phone with me. I wouldn't miss a chance to capture this rare moment of a flustered Kuga."

"You know that you can't do that, Nao. Doing something like that is precisely why you don't have your phone right now. With me holding onto it, Natsuki will be less likely to stomp on it."

Natsuki, who was in her own little world, was suddenly and forcibly halted by Mai who could no longer stand it. She didn't listen earlier so Mai took it into her own hands to stop her. Her arms had a vice-like grip on Natsuki's shoulders, preventing her to take any more steps.

"Stop or else I'll force you to go karaoke with us the next time we have a gathering and you won't be able to get out of it," she threatened; her face not in the least bit frightening.

But it was a real threat and Natsuki took it seriously.

"Okay, okay. I'll just stand there with Shizuka. Don't get hostile with me, Mai; it's creepy."

Putting up her hands as if to protect herself, she slowly backed away to where her daughter stood. Although her pacing had stopped, she was still riddled with frustration and not long after, she started murmuring again.

"Ugh, why did their plane have to delay? The wait is making me anxious," she admitted between her mumbles.

Her hand rose up to cover her face. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sighed. At that moment, Shizuka pulled at her sleeve, offering her a smile to calm her. Although she liked to see her mother flustered, she does not like it when she is worried and restless.

When tall blond and white came into view, Shizuka started running towards the doors. It was not hard to spot them seeing as they were taller than the average Japanese and not to mention, as odd as it was, there were very few foreigners on the same flight.

"Meine urenkelin (my great granddaughter)!"

"Ojii-chan!"

Shizuka jumped into the welcoming arms of her great grandfather who hugged back just as tightly. Wasting no time, Alyssa rushed towards her sister and hugged her as well.

"Long time no see, imouto. I hope you're doing well."

"You too, nee-san."

When they broke off, they switched hugging partners and when the family reuniting moment was over, Mai deemed it safe for her and Nao to approach the Kruger family.

"It's nice to see you again, Konrad-san," Mai said while shaking his hand. Nao chose to give a nod instead.

"Mai! I thank you for getting Natsuki to come here and meet us at the airport without any incident. I bet it took a bit of trouble to convince her."

"Aww, it was nothing. It wasn't that hard..."

"…I just needed to remind her that she misses you too," she whispered, mindful of Natsuki's prideful nature.

"The pup was no trouble at all! You just need to prod her in the right places," Nao interjected, grinning.

"…besides, I got to see one of her embarrassing moments."

Her statement led to Natsuki glaring at her which made the grin grow even wider.

"Ahh~ too bad we weren't there to see it. I bet it was quite the amusing sight," Alyssa muttered in disappointment.

"I for one don't see why it is so amusing to laugh at another's misfortune," Natsuki pouted.

"Only because you're the one under fire," Nao commented.

"Har, har."

As plush as the armchair was, it was not enough to make her feel any better nor did it lessen the anxiety she felt. It felt like an inquisition no matter how she looked at it. These overbearing questions that she did not like to answer; they were enough to stir her insides, making it uncomfortable to breathe. Why couldn't anyone just leave it? Why couldn't they just keep quiet and leave her be to deal with it herself?

"Natsuki, are you alright?"

The sad smile she always wore when confronted with such a question was ever present in her features; one she used to try to chase the questions away. She knew they would ask; everyone else did, so why wouldn't they?

"I'm as okay as I'll ever be. You don't need to worry over me."

She twirled a stray blue strand, trying to keep her thoughts at bay.

"We can't ever stop worrying about you, my dear. We are family; we care about you."

Oh how she wanted to cry in their arms; smothered by their sweet words, but how could she do that? Never again would she be vulnerable, that was what she promised herself. How much more could she spoil herself? She had already cried enough, she decided. All she needs to do now is stay strong and try to forget the pain. She would be rid of this pain one day…...right?

"Thanks for letting me know," her quiet voice seemed to vibrate across the room. Her uncertainty not so well hidden as she could feel her body tremble slightly, the grip on her knees tightening.

"Tsuki, don't hide from us!"

Alyssa's outburst rang through her ears; cutting like a knife, catching her by surprise. Her eyes widen when sister's red face came into view. Gone was the usual cheerful face she was used to seeing whenever in her sister's presence. Konrad himself remained quiet, letting Alyssa have her say; he knew she could handle it.

"Come to us when you are in pain! Let us be there for you! Don't deny us the right to comfort you, our most beloved one. My precious little sister, what are you afraid of?" she ended with a small voice, tired of all the shouting; sad that she would not open up to her.

Natsuki sat there muddled with her own thoughts. Hiding her eyes from their prying ones, she bent her head lower. They let her muse; she could take all the time in the world, as long as they get an answer.

"Is it alright to cry when my own child will not?"

Her words sounded choked as it left her throat and by the last word, Alyssa found herself stunned, unable to find a response.

"Is it alright to be so vulnerable when Shizuka is trying to be strong for me?"

Although it was said in a small voice, it carried volume.

"Is it alright to be so selfish when I'm not the only one who is in pain?"

Hurt. That was what they heard; the pain permeating through the room like a smell could.

"Ignoring the pain, doesn't mean you are fine. It doesn't lessen the pain you are feeling. I know you, dear. I know that you bottle up your feelings, only to suffer on the inside; just like what happened with Saeko and Kurogane."

Konrad, no longer able to stay quiet, cut through the silence.

"It is true that you are not the only one in pain, but everyone heals in their own way. Shizuka has her own way of dealing with things. She has her own reasons as to not do so. Have you ever asked her what she was thinking?"

He looked at the door; searching for crimsons; giving his silent signal. He had been prepared for this. It was not his own idea but he understood clearly when she came to him for help. She knew everything in its entirety but had not the backing to conduct such a confrontation.

Received was the signal and out she came from behind the door. Her straight back and serious manner brought attention amongst the older occupants in the room. One in particular was flabbergasted, not expecting at all the appearance of her own daughter. Especially at this time of the night and at a moment of where the matter of which was discussed she did not want her to know.

Crimsons bore into emeralds; so bright, it hurt to look. It was like she was peeking into her soul; looking at things she wanted to keep hidden from her.

"I don't need you to be strong for me. If I wanted to cry, I would have done so. I wanted you to cry for me; cry as much as you wanted. It's enough that you cry for the both of us."

"Once you feel better, I would too."

"Once you smile, I would too."

"So don't put up a brave face just for me. You don't need to do that. It's okay to pour out all your feelings; you have nothing to hide from me."

Shizuka smiled at her, albeit a sad, hopeful one.

"The only thing I want from you is to always be there for me. That is all I ask."

Her small hands clutched onto her mother's, eyes still in focus.

"I, no. we, know more than you think. Don't try to keep all the pain to yourself"

'Those lonely eyes when you thought I wasn't there. The quiet sobs every night before you fell asleep. I was there for all them; secretly praying that you will be alright,' Shizuka mentally said, not brave enough to voice it out.

"Shizuka-chan is right, my dear. Share with us your pain so that we may heal together," Konrad said softly.

From all that, Natsuki couldn't help but fall into their embraces; burying into the warmth that was her family. She didn't know what to say so she kept quiet. They wrapped around her like a blanket; Konrad and Alyssa at her sides while Shizuka circled her from the front. They huddled up together on the floor and stayed like that for as long as it took for Shizuka and Natsuki to fall asleep from exhaustion.

Alyssa held onto her sister like groom with his new bride; Natsuki was so much lighter than she remembered. She noticed that her arms and legs were thinner and she looked so fragile in her arms. Like one wrong movement could crush her. Her eyes were stained with tears and it made Alyssa curve her lips into a frown.

"Tsuki, why do you choose to suffer by yourself?" she whispered into the air.

She tucked her in, gently covering her sister with the warm blanket. The tears were wiped with her thumb and the forehead decorated with a kiss.

"I hope at least in your dreams you are not in pain, my precious imouto."

Konrad carried Shizuka with her head comfortably on his shoulder. Her little arms had instinctively wrapped around his neck as she dozed off. Her little murmurs for her mother reached his ears and he rubbed her back to soothe her. His voice was gentle as he reassured her that 'Mama is okay'. He even added a praise, 'You did great Shi-chan" and it made her snuggle inwards unconsciously.

"You are just like your mother, Kaya. You have inherited her strength and will."

He smiled to himself, remembering his beloved granddaughter. To him, she truly earned her spot as a member of his family; blood related or not.

Sorrow you can hold, however desolating, if nobody speaks to you. If they speak, you break down. ~Bede Jarrett