day 6 - wearing the other's clothes

"Mary?" Kido called, looking around the base for the smaller girl. She heard her answer from the other room and followed her voice to find her, curled in an armchair with a book. She looked up as Kido walked into the room. "Mary, I need you to go get these groceries for me," she said, handing her a short list.

Mary took the sheet of paper reluctantly, shrinking back against the cushions. "Me? Can't someone else do it?"

Kido knew it wasn't laziness that prompted her to ask, but shyness. Growing up away from the world for so long, crowded places like grocery stores were difficult for her. But there was no other choice.

"Sorry, Seto's at work, and who knows where Kano is. I have to watch the pot so it doesn't boil over, so that leaves you."

"I can watch the pot," Mary volunteered hastily, trying to hand the list back, but Kido was already shaking her head.

"Fresh air is good for you. You can't stay cooped up in here forever." Kido left the room, adding, "It's surprisingly cold, so you should take a jacket."

Mary brightened considerably at the suggestion. She dog-eared her book and hopped to her feet, heading to her room to get the white hoodie hanging on the back of the door. This was the one good thing about cold weather, she thought to herself, that she got to wear such a comforting article of clothing. She took it off the hook and shook it out, examining it. It was threadbare, and the shoulder seams were wearing through again; she was going to have to mend them soon. She was still proud of the roses along the hem, embroidery that had taken her months to complete.

Other than the embroidery, there was nothing inherently special about the hoodie itself, of course. It wasn't like it was magic. It was really only important because Seto had given it to her, and, she learned later, because someone important had given it to him.

She shrugged it on, the child sizing still fitting her slim shoulders somehow. The faded fabric was soft with age, and wearing it was like having her friend's arm around her. It was gonna be okay.

Tucking the grocery list into her pocket, she trotted down the stairs and paused at the door, taking a deep breath to steel herself. "Be back soon," she called, and let herself out. Facing the world was still scary of course, but it was much less frightening when she was reminded that she wasn't alone after all.