XVII

My feelings

Looking around from her spot, Kyou had been contemplating on which person to have her way with first. Either her dear father Dai or that boring and grumpy idiot Bando. Both of them were still sound asleep by their appearance and although she could likely sneak in a lot closer she preferred to keep some distance.

'Oto-san looks so happy at the moment. It would only be right to give him a rude awakening since you made my sister and oka-san cry.' Staring at Bando, she was thinking what would be the best way to wake him up. She wasn't planning on hurting him but a good scare would certainly teach him a lesson. She grinned as she thought about what to do to him. 'Just keep sleeping like that ossan, Kyou-chan is going to greet you.'

Of course, Bando had unintentionally presented a unique chance. The gun was lying on the table and if she acted fast enough then she could likely swipe it away before he could even react. 'Baka ossan, sleeping like that. You should know better than to give me such a wonderful chance.'

There were many things that she could do right now; throw him through the air, drop him in the pond outside, pour a bucket of ice-water on him or simply hang him in the nearest lamppost and leave him there. 'Not that is all just too simple and childish; you deserve something better after what you did.'

As she rested her head on the couch, she began to ponder about what to do with them. Dammit, she had been looking forward to this and now her mind was almost empty, nothing she could come up with sounded right to her. Nothing came even close to the degree of embarrassment and punishment she wanted to lay down on them. She cursed her misfortune.

'This isn't fair. It just isn't. Such a great chance and yet I can't think of anything worthwhile.' Letting out a sigh, her head was hanging low now. She couldn't just go back to her room but there wasn't anything she could come up with. 'Ryou will wake up if I try to sneak back in.'

She couldn't use the TV either, not without giving away that she was here as well and completely ruining her opportunity. Sighing once more, she wondered what she was going to do other than bore herself to death. This just sucked in her mind.

Rolling her head from left to right, it seemed the only place left was likely going to be the kitchen, she could make herself a quick breakfast, that didn't sound so bad to her.

'My stomach is rumbling. I didn't have all that much to eat yesterday. I'm going for some breakfast, and then I will come up with a plan, a really good plan.' Her stomach letting out a soft growl of approval prompted her to move as quietly as she could. This one would be really good since nobody was there to prevent her making her favorite. Oh yes, she was really going to enjoy it. Giggling with anticipation, her mind started to ease down as she headed towards the kitchen.

If Mayu might have had any initial concerns they had certainly disappeared by the time their break had ended. She had enjoyed the time she had gotten to spend with both Saeko and her friends. The two girls had proven to be kind and very friendly, not minding when she had joined them. It wasn't normal in this school for older students to have lunch with juniors or freshmen. It had been pleasant and the atmosphere had been more than friendly. The more time she got to spent with them, the more she came to believe that these girls were sincere in their friendship. The happiness and sheer joy on Saeko's face had seemed to reward the young girl for her choice of entering school as well. Her pain and hardships seeming to be finally rewarded.

"Well, if you would kindly excuse me, I have to go back to class. Saeko-san, I guess that I won't be seeing you after school then, I hope you will enjoy your visit," Mayu bowed before taking her leave. She felt confident and already wished for Saeko the best during her trip.

Thinking about it, this was actually going to be her first trip out with people other than her family. Her first time going out with friends from her class! That made Mayu think back to the first time she got to meet Mei in class and their first little trip together.

"See you later senpai! Don't worry! We will take good care of her for you!" Yuzuka was still shouting as they watched Mayu leave. Still feeling energetic after their talk with a senpai, Yuzuka was bristling with excitement. She really had enjoyed their lunch together.

"You know, Saekorin, we meet such interesting people thanks to you. Most senpai's I've met on school thus far had been kind of arrogant towards us but Isuzu-senpai is really nice, she doesn't seem to treat us any different than others."

Azusa didn't say a word; there wasn't any need for it anyway. Gently cleaning up her lunch, she told the two of them that it was time for them to go back to class. Their next teacher didn't take kindly to students arriving late and the last thing they would want right now was for them to be reprimanded. "Shall we go then, ladies?"

Cleaning up their lunch as well, they got up from the table, still talking about all sort of things but the most recurring theme seemed to be a discussion of what ice cream they were going to try out this afternoon after school.

Apparently the store carried a large assortment of all kinds of ice cream though as she had been told before, its most famous were the various different types of sweet potato. Just hearing about it was already making Saeko look forward to it. With the extra money she had gotten from Kouta and Yuka, she was planning on treating her friends. Just a small way for her to say thank you to the both of them for being her friends.

Her legs swinging back and forth, Kyou was taking her sweet time in enjoying her own custom made breakfast. Apart from her chewing, there wasn't anything else making noise so she knew that she was likely still the only person awake.

Shrugging it off, she took another sip of the cocoa. Normally she wasn't allowed to have it during breakfast. Mako much rather wanted for them to have either just water or some juice.

"Oka-san isn't here to stop me now," she said to herself as she took another gulp, she just loved the taste of cocoa, she never could get enough of it.

Definitely had to be her favorite type of drink that she had tried ever since she had gotten out of the DRI. Her parents kept telling her that she had become addicted to it. As if she could care about that. Even if she was addicted to it then at least she had picked something really tasty to get addicted to.

Reaching out for another slice of toast, she picked up the bottle of cocoa syrup. She nearly splurged it on just about everything, her cereal, her toast and even the sausages. This was the way for her to have a breakfast. Then again, there was plenty of other stuff she wouldn't have minded but sadly they didn't have any of that left in the house.

Ah well, this would suffice for now. Once she had her fill, she would go and try planning on a more horrible way to make somebody pay. 'Hmmm would that baka ossan eat? I've never seen him eat anything for that matter. Only shouting, yelling and being rude.'

She couldn't remember the last time she had actually seen him eat or drink anything for that matter. 'Then again he does drink, I've seen him do that at least several times. He drinks that foul tasting brown stuff. Oto-san drinks it often as well, gets this weird look in his eyes.'

For the moment, she couldn't come up with what it was called but already, she was staring at the machine they used to make it.

Still chewing, she started to think if it was possible for her to use that for her payback? Could she use that drink to her own benefit and strike a blow against those who had wronged her?

Working down the toast, she took another sip before looking back towards the living room. That might just do it but now she needed to know how to use it.

A twinkle appeared in her eye, as slowly but surely a plan was forming. Piece by piece, the details were falling into their place. 'I should finish my breakfast first.'

That was more important now, to have her stomach filled and only then would she go get her revenge. Besides, she had yet to complete the plan that was forming. Until that was done, she might as well make sure she got the most out of her breakfast. She certainly wasn't planning on stopping when she was having this much joy from it.

Stopping for a moment to look at the clock, she was surprised to see what time it already was. Normally her sister should have been awake by now since she was the early riser of the two of them. 'Guess Ryou is still exhausted from last night. She was pretty busy in helping oto-san.'

She couldn't recall how late it is was by the time that Ryou went to bed, but it must have been pretty late or early depending how one looked at it.

Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to make sure than when she would wake up that her breakfast would already be served. Kyou had a firm idea on the breakfast that Ryou liked to have in the morning. Given she was no stranger to keeping herself busy in the kitchen, making it would present no challenge to her.

Pulled from her thoughts by a sudden noise, Kyou turned her head just in time to see Dai leaning against the wall. To be honest, he looked terrible even if he tried to give a smile.

"Morning dear. How are you feeling?" he asked as he saw her standing there.

Kyou had to swallow, not saying a word as she just nodded her head in response. Her mouth was still stuffed so she couldn't really speak say anything until she had cleared it.

He pointed towards the plates arrayed in front of her. "I see you're enjoying yourself. Just don't tell your mother, alright? What time is it actually?"

His eyes only half open he looked as Kyou pointed towards the clock for him. By now she had nearly cleared her mouth. Still, she needed to wash it away with some cocoa.

"This late already. Damn. I must have been more worn down than I thought," he stopped as he noticed something, turning his head from left to right, as if searching for somebody. "Where is Ryou-chan? Is your sister still asleep? That isn't like her."

"She's tired," Kyou mentioned before taking a sip from her drink. "Because oto-san had to be a really big idiot and get himself in trouble." The words barely left her mouth before she took another big bite, stuffing her mouth full as much as she could.

"I see." She could hear him say. She hoped that he would get the message and do the right thing. That meant getting on his knees and apologize to her, her little sister and their mother.

"Is that how all three of you feel? That I have been an enormous idiot? Is that true?"

Not saying a word or even showing a reaction, she just continued to chew on her food though for some reason it was losing its flavor to her.

It seemed her silent treatment got the message through as Dai turned and left but not before he said one more thing. "I'm really sorry for the pain I've caused you, I really am."

'If oto-san really means that then he won't lie to us.' She looked up as she could hear faint footsteps approaching the kitchen.

Gazing at the clock, Nana noticed that it was starting to get well into the afternoon by now. She had been busier than she had expected with her chores. That did mean she wasn't going to have to wait for that much longer before the rest would get home.

"Oh! I'm wondering if Mayu was able to visit Mei-san, I hope she's alright," she said to herself as she walked into the kitchen and stared at a reflection of herself. Mei was a kind person and somebody who, despite knowing about their horns, hadn't made a big deal out of it.

Promising to herself that if Mei was sick that she would go and visit her, just to say thank you for having been so kind and helpful during their little trip. Shopping was always fun when Mei went with them. She had great taste and wasn't shy about helping others make the right choice. Even some of the clothes Nana had had been picked with some of Mei's help.

Thinking about it, she was starting to feel that a get well present for Mei would only be fitting for them to get. It was a shame that at the moment nobody else except for her and Saori were at home. Otherwise, she could make a quick errand.

She could go and just lock the door but it didn't feel right for her to leave Saori all on her own even if she wasn't going anywhere. She couldn't leave her little sister alone even it was going away for some small errand. Who knew what could happen in the time that she was away.

The last thing they needed to happen was for her violent nature to surface again. If she were to leave the house without supervision and that personality were to appear, who knows how many people were going to pay the price for that. Saori was simply just too unpredictable to be let out on her own even if they kept her under a constant state of being numbed and devoid of her vectors. Besides that, there was no answer for how long the numbing would last.

She was just going to need to wait for somebody to get home. That reminded her that Saeko was going to be home late today as she was going out with a few of her new friends. Why did it have to be today? That just made it even more difficult for her to leave.

"I'll just have to wait then," she sighed as she started to make herself some tea. It was going to take a while after all. In hindsight, it might be better if she were to go tomorrow. Hopefully Saeko would be back early then. "I'm sorry Mei-san, I really wanted to."

Reaching out for a cup, she brought it to the garden. With the nice weather outside and the sun, she was going to enjoy her remaining free time there. Outside, it felt so warm. Her favorite spot was likely going to be very comfortable right now. Having set up everything to the point that she was satisfied she went back inside to grab what she still needed. The boiling tea, some snacks and the new catalogue that had just arrived.

She was feeling excited to have a good read of it and see if there was anything in it she could wear when they would eventually go again to the beach. The bands on her previous bikini had snapped which made looking for a new one all the more important.

Fortunately, she still had some time anyway so there was no immediate rush for her. She could take it at her own leisure but first she would enjoy some tea and the snacks she had savored.

Enjoying the warm rays of the sun, the sweet smell of the garden being in bloom, and the sounds of the birds chirping in the background this was becoming such a tranquil moment for her. Nothing but peace and quiet.

Moments like these made her begin to think what life could have been like if she had been born as a normal human, how much different would it be from now. Would she have been with a loving family, parents who cared for her? Or would life have forced her to endure what Mayu had to go through? Being cast aside by her mother, which was still something she found hard to understand.

Her thoughts drifting back and forth then she took a peek at the top window on the second floor; she knew to whom that room belonged. For the duration of the day, she had been rather quiet and Nana offered a quick prayer for the day having gone past without any trouble with Saori. She remained a troublesome child, accepting only Saeko it seemed, when she was being told. For herself, she was reaching the point to just give up and no longer even try.

Didn't matter what she tried or said, at some point she would draw a violent reaction from Saori. A part of her kept wondering if Saori was still angry about what happened back then, would she still remember that it was Nana who had sliced of her horns in a last attempt to save Saeko from getting sliced to pieces by her?

It was possible but it seemed most of her thoughts were more preoccupied with getting rid that damn device that was stuck to her head. Much like the others, she was at a loss for ideas on how to get rid of it. This was something that went far beyond her understanding.

"Papa would be able to help you, I know he would. But papa is no longer with us," she said. Oddly, she didn't feel the need to shed a tear when she spoke of him. Over time she had grown to accept his death and while it still remained painful to her, she also knew that he would have wanted for her to live on. To live a happy life and not letting herself get brought down by sad thoughts. She had to remain strong and happy so that papa would be proud of her.

Picking up the tea, she raised it and offered a toast to papa, wherever he might be.

His eyes firmly closed, yet that did not prevent him from sensing a disturbing presence. Already the hairs in his neck were upright, a chilling sensation racing down his spine. That could just mean one thing and one thing only; a certain Diclonius had set her eyes on him.

Armed with that knowledge he carefully opened his eyes making sure not to give away that he was already aware of her. 'Damn brat thinks that she can sneak up to me.'

His ears were already catching a plethora of sounds but the ones that really mattered would have been all too easy to miss for mere men, those without the experience to face a horned girl. 'Try anything brat and you are going to be so fucking sorry.'

Just a few meters, that was all that separated them for now. It was a distance that was meaningless, he was well within the lethal striking distance of her vectors yet that didn't frighten nor discourage him. 'Try and use those disease ridden arms of yours, I dare you.'

His gun was placed on the table behind him and out of his reach but that didn't matter. He could take on a Diclonius with his bare hands if he needed to. He would evade those disgusting vectors and then pound her face the old fashioned way and besides, who said that he only carried one gun. 'Don't even fucking dare to underestimate me.'

He could faintly hear her breathing, a clear sign that she was getting herself ready. He wasn't planning on giving her the chance anyway. His hand moving silently, he already had his fingers wrapped around the handle and trigger.

For a moment it became silent. Was she hesitating? If she were to make a mistake, it would be a costly one. Although, he could seize this moment and gain the advantage right from the start, he decided to remain quiet and lull her into a false sense of security.

'You're making this far too easy. Just no sport to it.' He was actually looking forward to having a scrap with her, even if it would just be to blow off some steam or to deal with the boredom of lying here. 'Come at me. I dare you, horned brat.'

That continuing silence was starting to annoy him, for some reason he wasn't so fond of it. It meant that something had caused her to stall, though that could either be good or bad depending on the circumstances. Personally, he wasn't so fond of it. Guess he was going to need to make the first move anyway if that was what it would take then so be it.

His muscles tensed as he readied himself, exploding into action he moved faster than she could react, the muzzle end of his gun firmly aimed between her eyes. At this distance she could not avoid nor deflect the rounds should he choose to open fire.

Walking alongside the road, Mayu watched as the traffic drove by. Even so, she had to keep on walking. Already, she had gotten the last notes from Aki and with that she had everything she needed to help Mei to get her homework sorted.

She was looking forward to seeing her again. Herself being in high spirits, she had a feeling that it was going to work out today. That didn't take away some of the anxiety she was experiencing. Even with all of her confidence, a part deep inside remained worried about Mei's sudden absence.

Coming to a halt at a corner, Mayu thought about it. "Why can't I shake this uneasy feeling? Surely I must be imagining this. Mei-san should be fine. Her parents would still look after her," she had to say something to take away her doubts.

Repeating the words to herself that Mei was fine and that soon she would be able to see it with her own eyes she started walking again. It was still going to take a good twenty minutes at best before she would reach Mei's house.

Even though this wasn't new to her, it felt somehow odd to be walking on her own. Had she really become this accustomed to having Saeko or Mei at her side during her walk home? How quickly a person could grow used to not being on their own.

Still keeping her pace, she glanced to her left. Every now and then she could see a faint image of the sea's reflection between the houses. "I hope that we can go visit it soon, all of us. I really hope that we spend our summer break at the beach."

That was still going to take a few months, not to mention that their spring break could come first though she reasoned that the weather wouldn't be right for going to the beach then.

Then again this spring was already surprisingly warm and gentle thus far.

"I'm being silly, summer can wait. First things first, I need to see how Mei-san is doing."

That was the reason why she walking towards her house and not to the inn. She would feel so much better when she could see Mei and ask her how she was doing. They had a lot to discuss and already Mayu guessed that it could end up being a very long visit.

She was glad that she had already informed Kouta and Yuka about it. If she wasn't there in time then they would know. Besides that, she could also give them a call just to be certain. If she was going to run late then she would give them a call to let them know. Mayu smiled at that, knowing they would understand. With her head held high, she kept on walking.

Still staring at the gun that was aimed at her, Ryou let out a shriek of terror that startled all those who heard it. "UUUWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" The tray with the food she had been carrying was flung into the air as she threw her hands in front of her face.

Dropping to her knees, she started to scream and cry for help. "UUWWAAAAAAAAAHH! UUWWAAAAAAAAAHH! UWAAAHH! UWAAAHH! UWAAAHH!"

His eyes still looking in disbelief, Bando cursed his ill fated luck. It just had to be the decent one instead of her bratty sister. "Oh fuck, why did you have to come, damn brat," he growled.

Seeing her like this he felt guilty, unlike her sister he didn't have any particular beef with her.

"UUUWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! UWAAAHH! UWAAAHH! UWAAAHH!"

Down on her knees, she huddled up as she kept on crying. Bando got hit by the tray of food that had been flung into the air, the coffee stinging as it splashed over his exposed arm. He pushed the pain aside as he had an even bigger issue to worry about.

Wiping his eyes clear, he barely had time to avoid a dish from hitting him in the face.

"OSSAN! YOU DAMN BASTARD! YOU MADE MY SISTER CRY! BAKA OSSAN! BAKA! BAKA! BAKA!" Howling with rage Kyou stood there, gritting her teeth, the bile dripping from her chin as she looked at his gun.

"YOU DARE TO POINT THAT TO MY SISTER!" Her eyes lit with an intense burning hatred as she lunged forwards at him. Bando swallowed hard as he saw the murderous intent in her eyes.

"YOU! MADE! MY! SISTER! CRY! YOU! ARE! SO! GOING! TO! PAY! FOR! THAT! AAAAAARGH! YOU FILTHY BUG! BUG! BUG! BUG!" No longer willing to listen to any more excuses Kyou, spurred on by her sister's cries, lashed out.

Caught off guard, Bando was sent flying through the room. Thank God she was pulling her punches for now though it didn't make his landing any less painful as the table collapsed underneath him. He grunted as he felt a surge of pain running through his body. She must have hit him hard.

"BUG! BUG! YOU DISGUSTING BUG! I SHOULD CRUSH YOU! BUG! BUG! BUG! FILTHY DISGUSTING BUG! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIIIIEEEEEEEEE!" Still howling and screaming, she kept punching and smashing objects into him. The floor next to his head cracked. That meant a vector and at this short range he couldn't avoid them, not with her sitting basically on top of him.

His ears were ringing due to her shouting and ranting. God, that girl had some set of lungs if she could keep this up. 'Damn brat actually got stronger, who would have thought of that.'

That had been unexpected, guess even he could learn a few things when it came to fighting Diclonius. If she was stepping up her game, then so would he.

"Don't even dare think you are going to win," he spat as he noticed the wide grin appearing on her face. "You will need to do better than that."

Delivering a thunderous head-butt, Kyou yelped in surprise as she fell back. Seizing the chance, Bando lunged forward and grabbed her by the scruff of her pajamas. "Now it is my fucking turn you horned brat!" Using his momentum, he tossed her across the room.

Landing hard on her butt, Kyou let out a wail as she felt the sting. "THAT'S NOT FAIR BUG! YOU FIGHT DIRTY! BUG! BUG! BUG! YOU FILTHY DISGUSTING BUG!"

Weeping, she got back up on her feet as she wiped the tears from her stained eyes. "THAT REALLY HURT YOU FILTHY BUG!"

"…O-O-ONEE-CHAN…!" Ryou squealed as she wrapped her fingers around Kyou, trying her best to stop her older sister from going further with this.

"… P-P-Please… s-stop… t-this… please… o-onee-chan…?! She pleaded with her, trying her best to prevent her from getting hurt. She didn't want that to happen. "… P-P-Please… o-o-onee-chan…?"

"BANDO!" Dai yelled as he got in between them. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING TO MY DAUGHTERS?! FUCKING CALM DOWN NOW OR I SWEAR I'M GOING TO BEAT YOU UP MYSELF!"

Bando could hear the threats but they meant little him, he knew that Dai was no match for him, even less so with him being injured. Then again, he himself was injured as well or even worse not to mention the beating that Kyou had managed to give him.

"… R-Ryou… o-oto-san…?" For Kyou, the confusion couldn't be any greater, why was her little sister who had just been threatened at gunpoint now trying to stop her, that man deserved to be punished for what he had done. "…W-W-Why… why are… you stopping me…? I don't understand… don't you want him… to be punished…? H-H-He pointed a gun…" Kyou spoke the words but it became ever more garbled, she just couldn't understand her sister's reasons.

"… B-B-Because… I-I… don't… want o-onee-chan… to become… a… bad… girl…"

Ryou sobbed, still trying to hold on even if her hold was weak, her arms and body were trembling. "… W-We're good girls right…? O-onee-chan and I… good girls…?" She sobbed the pain in her voice apparent.

Hearing those words, all of her strength started to disappear. Ryou was right, if she kept on like this then she would be a bad girl. The blame would fall on her and no doubt Mako would get angry at her as well. Even if she had been right. Even if what she did was, in a way, justified she would be the one the finger would point at. It wasn't fair, it never had been to her.

"ENOUGH OF THIS!" Dai snapped, already his body was reaching its limit. "Bando! Go back to the couch and stay there! Consider yourself lucky that I won't throw you out or break your arm for pulling such a stunt!" He might be a friend of the family and somebody who Dai would entrust his life too, but pointing a gun at Ryou was just something he couldn't tolerate.

"You should tell the brats to not disturb somebody. Honestly, how many times do I need to make it damn clear that I do not want any horned brat anywhere near me." Bando rebuked as he turned around reluctantly. "Damn horned brats, their just a disease."

Responding instantly, Kyou snapped at him. "WHAT DID YOU CALL MY SISTER?!"

Freeing herself from her sister's hold she leaped forward towards him once more. No more holding back this time. Now she would go all out her, her vectors reaching out for the couch.

Taking in the sight of the store she had just set foot in, Saeko was amazed. To be honest, she had never set foot in this store before but that was hardly surprising as she hadn't even known it existed. Normally this was not the direction she walked towards home so again not much of a surprise to her. A shame really as she liked it.

Yuzuka sat down next to her. "Do you like it here? You know I was so happy to hear this morning that your parents said that it was alright with them. There is so much I'm just dying to ask you," she cheered in her own special way before taking another bite from her ice.

"So Saekorin can I ask? Is that color of your hair dyed or is it real?" She was pointing towards a lock of Saeko's hair. Already in her eyes, Saeko could see a shimmer of curiosity.

Nobody had so far even bothered to ask, they had all assumed that her hair was dyed. Still, it didn't take away the unease she was experiencing. Noticing the depressed look in Saeko's eyes, Yuzuka leaned in closer.

"Here's some of my sweet potato ice cream, it has chocolate chips in it," a warm smile gracing her face. She held the small spoon in front of her, gesturing that it was alright for Saeko to have a taste of it. "Go on Saekorin, it's alright."

Smiling as she nodded that it was okay for Saeko to have a taste of her's. "You don't have to tell me if it makes you feel uncomfortable, I would hate to see my friend get sad over a question like that. Sorry if I made you feel unpleasant about it," she apologized.

That gesture made Saeko blush, to think that somebody apologized to her like that. Gathering her courage, she spoke out. "… I-It's m-my real c-color actually, I've had it since birth."

Yuzuka's mouth was wide open on hearing that, she couldn't believe it. "It really is? Wow, that's so cute, you really are a fascinating person Saekorin. I think it looks really cute, you know, I often fantasized about having a different color myself, oh you are so lucky."

"… N-Not really… I have horns sticking out of my head…" Saeko mumbled to herself, unaware that she was saying those words but luckily for her neither Yuzuka nor Azusa had noticed it. Nearly pushing the ice cream into her own face as she brought her hand up as she noticed it just in time.

"Isuzu-san, are you alright?" Azusa asked her, her concern obvious.

"..I-It's nothing… no really I'm fine… t-thanks for asking me…" Saeko didn't want to risk telling them. She couldn't bring herself to do it even if these two were her friends. It felt wrong. If she told them, she risked not only losing them but also exposing herself and her family, which was something that she couldn't just risk.

"So your family, what are they like? Given how your bentos are packed I'd say that your adopted mother loves you a lot. May I ask what happened to your real mother?" Azusa mentioned, much like yesterday Saeko's bento had been nicely packed by Yuka like she always did. But to be honest, that had been something she had never really thought about all that much. She already knew that Yuka and the others all loved her. Still it was a comment that made her blush. She didn't understand why but her heart was starting to pound in her chest.

Coming back after a long day, which although not being stressful had been rather exhausting, Mako sighed as she closed the door of her car. "I'm glad to be home. I wonder how everybody else has been doing. It must have been nice for them to sleep out late."

Looking from left to right to make sure that it was safe to cross, she strolled across the street and towards the seemingly calmness of her own home. "First thing I'm going to do is to take a long bath, I'm worn out and my feet are killing me." It would feel good to wear something a little more comfortable than the heels she was wearing right now.

She hated them but they were kind of required to keep up the good image and expectations that people had of a doctor. Now was one of those days she was hoping that Kyou had already started working on dinner. Then again if it were Dai and Ryou even then she wouldn't mind it herself. Just as long as there was something to eat for her.

Reaching out for her purse, she grabbed her keys. She could just ring the bell and wait for somebody to open the door for her but Mako reasoned that if she kept standing still for too long she might accidentally doze in. She needed to stay moving and hope that she could make it to the bench or to her bed for that matter.

Stopping for a moment to take in the welcome silence, her hand rested on the doorknob. Just a quiet night with no worries, which was all she asked for. Dai would stay at home; the twins would help her in the house holding. That seemed like good idea. Shame though that a man like Bando was also inside. "Well I can tolerate him as long as he doesn't do anything stupid. I just want some peace and quiet for a change. Just hanging around on the sofa."

As if she actually could do that, she still had patient cases to go through not to mention also preparing for a meeting tomorrow with another doctor from one of the nearby hospitals. Sighing, she began to realize that it was going to be a long night after all if she needed to get all of that finished as well. So much for her long bath.

"I'm starting to feel like Arakawa. Ah well, there is nothing I can do about it. I just have to finish dinner and then quickly get to work. Maybe with a little luck and some help I might just pull it off. Please let everything be alright inside. Please let everything be normal."

Offering a quick prayer she opened the door and saw to her own dismay that her work which showed to be more than she could hope to handle had only just started.

"…What did I do to deserve this…?" She said to nobody in particular as she rolled up her sleeves and stepped inside.

After gathering her strength and calming her nerves, Saeko wanted to try and answer that question. "Actually…" she fell silent. How was she even going to say this? "… M-My real mother died when she gave birth to me." She had to blink away a tear as she thought about it.

"My dad died in an accident later that night." Had that been too blunt? Would they understand? Both Yuzuka and Azusa sat there, just listening, not saying a thing as the words sank in. They could barely imagine what it must have been for their newfound friend to have lost both of her parents at such an early age. It was quite a revelation for Saeko to give them, being both fascinating and yet unsettling to hear.

"Until a few years ago I lived for the most part in an institution, I never really liked it there and the people there always treated me like it was just a thing. They never let me do anything fun, just their little tests but the people I'm living with now treat me like a member of the family. They have always accepted me like I am, never asking me any questions or treating me differently."

"An institute? You mean an orphanage, right?" Yuzuka commented though she kept her voice down. "Wow, that must have been a terrible time for you. I don't even know what to say about this and all of these tests." Saeko could also hear her having trouble to swallow.

Azusa nodded as she apologized for having asked such a question. She had no idea how painful the answer might just have been for Saeko. Had she known then she wouldn't have asked the question at all in the first place. "I'm very sorry Isuzu-san, my sincere apologies," Azusa apologized to her as she gracefully bowed.

Now she made Saeko actually feel uncomfortable. It wasn't necessary for Azusa to apologize when she couldn't have known about it. "D-Don't be, Ichinose-san. What happened happened, there is no way for me to change all of that. I can only count myself lucky that I came to be with people who really care about me. You don't need to apologize to me. Kouta-san and Yuka-san aren't my real parents, nor are Mayu-chan, Nana-chan and Saori-chan my real sisters but despite all that we are a real family that cares about each other. Isn't that what a family is all about? Caring for each other?"

Both Yuzuru and Azusa replied in unison, their heads nodding in agreement. "Yes, you are right. A family loves each other. That is what a family is all about."

"With such a loving family I think you are a very lucky person Isuzu-san, I think you can be proud that you have come into contact with such wonderful people. One day when you feel you are ready for it I would like to meet them, to get to know your family."

Yuzuka chimed. "That's right! I would love to see your house, from what you told us it must be pretty big. Hey, do you think it would be possible for us to have a sleep over at some point? That sounds so exciting, don't you think?"

"… I-I… uh…?" Falling silent, Saeko didn't know how to answer that. She liked the idea of it but she would need to ask first and besides, how was she going to explain her sisters having horns. There was no denying that bringing her friends over for a sleepover would cause issues.

Her throat felt dry. She needed to change the subject of their conversation and hope that for the time being neither Yuzuka nor Azusa would bring it up again. At least she could then think about it and see what the others would say.

Then again hadn't it all worked out just fine with the friend that Mayu had brought home, she knew about their horns yet she never made a deal out of it. Still, Saeko felt uncertain about it and until she could know how her friends would react she preferred not to take the risk.

"Listen to me!" Mako snapped at him, to think that upon getting home she found this mess and Bando was in part to blame for it. Both he and Kyou were covered in scratches and bruises, several pieces of furniture were completely ruined and she wasn't even going to start about the hole in the floor.

"I considered asking you nicely but given the mess you helped to create I'm no longer going to even bother asking! I'm going on a trip to Matsumoto city soon and you are going to accompany me! No arguments! This is really important so don't even think you have a choice to refuse!" Her arms crossed across her chest she looked down on him, making it damn clear that saying no was not an option anymore.

"To think you actually had another gun with you! And you even dared to aim it at one of my daughters! I should just kick you out of the house myself right now!"

Of all the mess she had been afraid of, this had to be the worst. She could get over the costs of having the furniture replaced and she would have a word with Kyou over her outrage.

But what was really bothering her at this very moment was that Bando had kept a loaded gun on him and had even dared to aim at one of her daughters, which was simply something she could not forgive him for. "If you dare to give me an explanation then it had better be a good one! Do not even dare to contemplate coming up with some half-arsed excuse as I won't accept it!"

Not bothering to even say a word, Bando just kept to himself. As if he was just going to play along with her. Dammit, he had more important things to do than to go on a trip with her all the way to Matsumoto. Why the hell did they even need to go that place at all?

Like getting treated for his wounds would indebt him to her, let alone after that bratty daughter of hers had picked fight with him. Honestly, he wasn't the one who started it. Like him carrying an extra gun was such a big surprise to either of them, they all knew damn well that he never carried just a single gun with him. Already he could feel in his bones that it was going to be a monstrous waste of his time.

"Are you even listening to me Bando?! Your ears should be fine. You had better not be ignoring me or I will have you thrown out of my house now! You hear me?!"

There she went again. Seriously he could well imagine where Kyou had got that nasty attitude from. 'Like mother, like fucking daughter.' Even if they weren't related to each other.

He could kill for some aspirins right now; the damn kid had already done a number on his mood not to mention the headache he had and Mako certainly was not helping to improve either of them at all.

"Fine then," he remarked as he rolled over, groaning as he got up he looked at her. "I get the message. Just call me a cab and I will be out of your hair. Also, tell me if you honestly believe that going to that city is actually going to help that freaky brat get better?" Just staring at her, he could see the doubt etched in her eyes. Just as he expected, she wasn't even certain of it.

"Alright then, give me a few days and I'll go along. Just make sure that it won't be a complete waste of our time, otherwise you're the one that will be in trouble."

Struggling to stand up straight and without putting too much weight on his injured leg he slowly started to make his way towards where Mako had placed the crutches. "Now call me that damn cab so I can get out of this place. Those brats are driving me insane." Reaching out for the crutches, he slowly started to make his way towards the main entrance. Didn't matter to him if he would need to wait for an hour or so, he was getting out of there.

'Damn horned kids. Still get on my fucking nerves every single damn time. I must be crazy to go along to Matsumoto City for that freaky brat; damn girl just freaks me out every single time.' he shrugged as he thought about Saori, yeah that was how she was called. Honestly, of all the horned girls, they had taken in the one almost unnerved him. Nothing about her seemed right. 'Horned girls are just a pain in the ass. They're obnoxious, irritating, freaky and often just way too hyper for me. Damn... nothing should be that hyper.'

Behind his back he could already hear Mako on the phone, likely she was calling that cab for him. Good, then he could just go and wait outside, he was done here anyway.

Getting a little red in her face, Saeko turned to face her and asked a question. "S-Say Yuzuka-san. C-Can I ask you a question?" Her apprehension apparent to them. "Sorry if it sounds silly but I just want to know. I can ask you right? You won't get mad at me for asking?"

Yuzuka started to giggle as the apparent hesitation coming from her. "Oh Saekorin, don't be silly. Just call me Yuzu, that's how my friends can call me. Now what was it that you wanted to ask me? No need for you to be shy, you can ask me anything."

Her finger trembling she pointed towards her. "…Y-Yuzu-chan, can I ask you why you always wear those decorations? The ones in your hair, on your schoolbag and even on the socks you're wearing? You always have those when I see you in school."

"Oh that is simple, I just like this style and I think it makes me look cute. Frilly is just way too cute for me to pass up, they also make me feel like a real girl." Yuzuka replied as she pushed her chair back a little as she rang her fingers over the black thigh high socks she wore, showing the frills at the top to her.

"The same as with those lovely ribbons you have in your hair Saekorin. They are just so cute don't you think so too, Azurin? Along with that hair of yours its no wonder most boys in our class fell for you. I know that some have a crush on you but you didn't hear that from me, alright?"

Saeko wasn't sure what to say to that. It felt nice hearing them say such kind things to her but it also made her feel uncomfortable as she began to understood that she had been attracting far too much attention in class than she felt comfortable with. She didn't want for people to be jealous of her, for them to envy because of her. She wasn't worth it. She just wanted to be a normal person.

"I-I-I..." she was stumbling to get the words over her lips, nothing that she could come up with sounded right in her mind. "…"

A spoon was held up in front of her by Azusa. "You should try some of mine, it has mint in it. Do you want to have a bite of it?"

Seeing the warmth of her smile made Saeko forget about her growing worries and she took a bite. The sweetness of the potato along with the freshness of the mint took her by surprise.

"It taste good, doesn't it? You can have a second bite if you want to," Azusa nodded and smiled.

Even with the smile that she was receiving, Saeko felt hesitant to take her up on that offer. "I-I shouldn't, it's yours, remember? It would be wrong of me to just keep taking bites of it."

Azusa giggled. "Isuzu-san you are too kind to us. You shouldn't have treated us both, and also to me the thought behind the gesture is more important than the actual gesture."

Yuzuka also chimed in. "She's right Saekorin. We're not your friends because we want you to buy things for us but because we like being with you. We asked you because we were interested in you as a person and we wanted to get to know you better."

Although Saeko already knew it still felt pleasant and reassuring to hear Yuzuka say that to her. Her anxiety had kept on growing as she hadn't been entirely sure on how to interact with her friends. A part of her was still afraid of being rejected or used by them. Suddenly she started to cry, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Ah Saekorin?! Are you alright?!" Yuzuka asked as in surprise as she saw the tears, reacting without hesitation she already pulled out her handkerchief. "Did you hurt yourself?!"

"Isuzu-san? Why are you crying all of a sudden? Did we say something wrong?"

Author's note: And there we have it, another chapter of Progeny, I hope that you people all enjoyed it. More fun time to be had with the Hirano twins for you all to feast upon.

As always I would love to hear your feedback, any ideas you have or any questions you may have, feel free to PM me. All that sort of stuff. Reviews, favs or subs are as always highly appreciated and if you think you have this awesome idea for it don't be shy about it.

It feels really good being able to post again at regular intervals and hopefully I can keep this going for the remainder of the year which will mean that there's going to be a ton of more chapters for you all to enjoy.

Have a good weekend you all and take care. Until I see you all again.