Hearing the ring of the doorbell, Kagami was quick to answer. "Hey Konata, come on in - oh my God what happened to you?"
"Uh, hey Kagamin." Konata waved shyly as she forced a smile. Kagami could only stare in shock at the sight of the red mark covering nearly half of her girlfriend's face. Her eyes began wandering all over Konata's frame hoping not to find any other injuries, and noticed the luggage the smaller girl was surrounded by. Seeing the bags had managed to quickly bring Kagami back to reality.
Without a moments hesitation, Kagami stepped outside and grabbed Konata's suitcase and bag with one hand while the other gently caressed her back. The two stepped inside and put down Konata's things, before Kagami turned the two to face each other. She stared at the downtrodden face of her girlfriend, growing more concerned as Konata refused to look her in the eye. She opened her mouth to question the mark, but found herself interrupted at the sound of her family arriving.
"Kagami, is Konata-chan here?" Miki asked as she and Tadao approached. As they caught sight of the two, they were both taken quite aback by Konata's injury as well. "Oh my."
Konata watched the two's scrutinizing gaze with a rising sense of anxiety. On instinct she found herself huddling closer to her girlfriend, wanting to avoid the stares of the Hiiragi's. Her eyes widened in fear as Tadao reached a hand out to her, not hearing whatever words he was speaking. Images of her angry father flashed through her mind, and anxiety gave way to panic as she desperately hid herself behind Kagami.
Kagami could only stare helplessly at the quivering girl behind her. Her heart broke as she watched the smaller girl cling to the back of her shirt, as if to find safety in it. Tears formed in her eyes, and she turned her head towards her parents confused expressions. The three traded gazes back and forth, fearing what the answer was to what had traumatized Konata so much. Silently, they realized and agreed the only one who could get through to her was Kagami.
"Hey Konata," Kagami spoke soothingly as Tadao and Miki left the entryway. "You wanna come up to my room now? We can grab your luggage after you've gotten comfortable."
Silently Konata nodded as she let go of the taller girl's back. She stepped to the side and grabbed Kagami's hand with both her own, her eyes staying glued to the floor. Inwardly sighing, Kagami began a slow trudge, leading the two through the house. Before long the two had made their way up the stairs and to the hallway, where Tsukasa was exiting the bathroom and heading into her own bedroom to retire for the night. As she opened her bedroom door, she noticed the two and greeted them with tired excitement.
"Hiya Kona-chan, I didn't know you were...coming...over." She trailed off as she realized the dour mood between the couple. Kagami gave her an apologetic smile, whilst Konata had not even bothered to look up. She worriedly watched the two enter Kagami's room, beforing walking into her own and climbing into her bed. She stared up at the ceiling wondering what had happened, suddenly feeling much more awake.
Once inside Kagami's room, the couple made their way to the bed and sat down at the edge. Kagami took a hold of Konata's hand and softly massaged it with her thumb, biting her lip at the lack of response. It perplexed and frustrated her to no end, seeing Konata look so broken; it was as if she were an entirely different person from before. Kagami had surmised that whatever had happened to Konata must've been at home, and found herself frightened at what the answer may have been. Steeling her resolve, she gently took hold of Konata's chin with her free hand and lifted her head so they were face to face.
"Konata, please look at me." Slowly, the girl's green eyes raised and looked into her own. "What happened?"
As Konata looked up at her tsundere, fresh tears formed and her body began to shake. Looking into the loving, worried eyes of Kagami, she felt her heart hammering out of her chest as her emotions began to take their toll on her. With a loud sob, Konata launched herself into Kagami's chest and wrapped her arms around her tightly, crying loudly as the pent up grief was released. Stunned, Kagami's mouth hung open as Konata broke down on her, her heart breaking at the sight. Feeling her nightshirt becoming soaked in tears quickly, instinct took over, and Kagami gently wrapped her arms around the crying girl.
As Kagami held Konata close, she gently rubbed Konata's back with one hand, whilst the other ran through the her hair. For how long this went on, Kagami did not know, nor did she care. Konata needed her more than ever right there, and the whole time she would not let up on her soothing ministrations. She softly kissed the top of Konata's head, and whispered calming words into her ears.
Eventually, Konata's loud sobbing had lowered to heavy breathing, with the occasional sob and hiccup. She felt tired in every sense of the word. Her body ached and her mind was practically a haze with emotional stress. As much as she just wanted to lay there and hold her love, she knew she would need to explain what happened to Kagami. With a deep breath, she picked up her shattered dignity and shakily pulled herself out of the embrace and looked up at Kagami.
"I, I told my dad...about us." Konata muttered shakily. Kagami's eyes immediately widened with realization.
"H-he didn't accept?" She whispered in horror.
Konata slowly shook her head. "He said I couldn't see you anymore. I got mad and yelled at him, we had a big fight and...and-"
"He hit you?"
Konata nodded solemnly. "Next thing I knew, I was in my room on my bed. After that well, I knew I had to leave there, so I thought I'd come here for the night."
"Konata." Kagami raised her hand and caressed the girl's cheek. "I'm so sorry."
"Kagami," Konata whispered as she closed her eyes and placed a hand over the one on her cheek. "I'll be okay. It's just, I don't even know what to think anymore. I thought he already knew I was into girls."
Konata chuckled as she smiled sadly. "You know, when I was little he would play galges with me sitting on his lap. I would watch him going through all these routes and raising flags, and of course when I wanted to play them myself he never batted an eye. You'd think the fact that I play galges so much more than otomes would've clued him in."
Kagami's stomach churned as Konata had let go of her hand. As she let go of Konata's face her mind struggled desperately for words, wishing she knew how to fix this. She hated seeing Konata like this, so badly hurt and depressed. It was such an alien sight from the boisterous otaku she knew she felt like she was looking at a complete stranger."
"So, what are you going to do?" Kagami finally managed to ask, if only for the sake of keeping away any oppresive silence.
"I don't know." Konata shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. "I'm so tired, it hurts to think. I just wish this was some insane nightmare that I'd wake up from."
"Yeah," Kagami muttered. "I can only imagine, you've gone through so much today."
Konata nodded, "This has been almost the worst day of my life."
"Almost?" Kagami raised an eyebrow. "How is it only almost?"
"Well Kagamin," Konata whispered with a small smile. "I can't say it's the worst."
"And why's that?"
Konata giggled as she grabbed both of Kagami's hands. "Well, I did finally get together with you my Kagamin. As long as I'm with you, I'm sure everything will turn out ok."
Kagami's face turned scarlet as her lips stretched into a wide bashful smile. Her heart hammered in her chest and butterflies flew through her stomach. It amazed her at how Konata was capable of being so sweet, even with all she had been through.
"I-idiot," She whispered under her breath as she slowly wrapped her arms around Konata's shoulders. "I love you."
Konata smiled as her arms snaked around Kagami's waist. The two looked into each other's eyes briefly, before bringing their lips together. The kiss was tender, soft, and comforting to the both of them. Here, in their own little world with no one to interfere or judge, all felt right. They basked in each other's presence, each drawing strength from the other. They knew that whatever was going to happen, they would face everything together. Reluctantly the kiss parted, and the lover's lay their foreheads together, not wanting to break from their reverie.
"I'm so glad I met you Kagami." Konata breathed as their heads lifted away from each other. She breathed a sigh as she smiled up at her tsundere, before closing her eyes again. Suddenly, her arms slackened in their grip, and Konata slumped before falling forward into Kagami's chest, much to the younger girl's shock.
"Konata?" She shouted with worry.
"I'm so tired." Konata murmered.
Kagami smiled sadly as she ran her hair through Konata's hair a couple more times. "Why don't you go ahead and lay down, I'll bring your luggage up here in a little bit."
Slowly, Konata gathered the strength to lift herself up into a sitting position again. "I can grab it, it's my stuff."
"Don't worry about it." Kagami said, putting a hand on her girlfriend's shoulder to stop her from standing. "You've been through Hell and back today, you need your rest."
"Oh Kagami," Konata breathed through a tired smile. "If you insist."
"I do insist," Kagami affirmed as she stepped off the bed. Konata followed suit; but while she moved toward the closet to look for a futon, she was surprised to find Kagami simply pulled the covers on her bed down. She turned towards the younger girl putting up an arm in protest.
"You don't need to give me your bed," Konata said through tired slurred words. "I can use the futon."
"Well this is more comfortable," Kagami replied in a matter-of-fact manner. She stepped away from the bed and pointed at it. "Now, bed!"
Konata heaved a short defeated sigh, far too tired to argue against it. With the speed and grace of a zombie she trudged back towards the bed, ready for the day to be over and done with. With the last of her energy the otaku brought her arms up around her love's neck and gave her one more short kiss before curling into bed and pulling the covers up to her chin.
"Goodnight Kagami, I love you." She whispered as she closed her eyes.
"Goodnight love." Kagami answered back with a smile.
As Konata fell asleep Kagami's face hardened. Turning, she silently made her way across her room and gently opened her door. Stepping out, she closed the door behind her with the stealth of a mouse, not wanting anything to wake up her little loli. With a hard sigh, Kagami walked through the hallway and made her way down the stairs and through the house. She stepped into the living room, unsurprised when she found the rest of the Hiiragi waiting pensively for her, her parents and Inori sitting on the sofa whilst Tsukasa and Matsuri sat on the floor by them.
"Kagami, is Konata-chan okay?" Miki asked her gently.
Kagami frowned as her feet shuffled nervously, not entirely sure how to answer. "Well, not really."
"Is she still sick?" Tsukasa asked with fright.
"No no, it's not that she's sick." Kagami shook her head. "Rather, something happened at home."
"What do you mean?" Tadao asked calmly
With a heavy sigh, Kagami stepped over to her family and sat down on a chair near them. "Konata told her dad about us dating. He...didn't take it very well. They got into a fight, and he-"
She stopped herself to take a calming breath, trying to control the rage coursing through her and the bile that rose in her throat. "He hit her so hard he knocked her unconscious."
The response from the rest of the Hiiragi family were what Kagami mostly expected. Tsukasa immediately began to weep as she muttered a string of "Poor Kona-chan" and similar lines. Inori and Matsuri exchanged looks of shock and horror, but neither of them knew what exactly to say. Miki and Tadao looked at each with grim expressions, seeming to have a discussion with each other sheerly through facial expressions. Tadao's expression hardened, mouth in a heavy frown as he closed his eyes and shook his head slowly.
"For a father to strike his own daughter," He said with a low growl, more to himself than anyone else. "Is just despicable. I have half a mind to drive over there and give him a piece of my mind."
"Tadao, calm down." Miki began disapprovingly. "We don't need you doing anything rash. What we need to focus on is helping Konata-chan."
"What are we gonna do?" Kagami asked apprehensively.
"Well, for one, we certainly can't let her go back to that house." Tadao said with finality.
"Right, that place is no home for such a sweet child." Miki agreed. She looked over to the elder twin, "Are there any relatives of Konata-chan's you know about?"
"She has an older cousin, but she lives pretty far away, I think. Plus, if her dad tries looking for her, he'll definitely check there." Kagami explained as she tried to remember details about Konata's extended family. She realized she didn't really know much about Konata's family, outside of the fact she had a couple cousins, one of them living with her, and no mother. As she pondered, she had her doubts Konata would be any safer with them. Sure, her older cousin Yui was cop, but she was also a bit dense, and might not be much help.
"Well, she may eventually have to confront him." Tadao spoke gravely. "Not anytime soon, hopefully, but we can't avoid the man forever."
"No, but we can at least keep her safe." Miki said with a thoughtful look gracing her features. Kagami looked at her questioningly.
"Mom, what are you thinking?" She asked warily.
"Well, if Konata-chan isn't able to go to any of her other relatives." Miki began smiling.
"Then we should at least open our doors for her." Tadao finished for her, nodding with much approval. "If Konata chooses so, then I would be glad to welcome her into our home for however long she likes."
"That would be wonderful!" Tsukasa piped up for once, excited at the thought of one her best friends getting to stay at her house.
"You mean it?" Kagami shouted, tears of happiness welling up in her eyes. "Konata can live here?"
"Of course sweetheart." Miki spoke softly, "If she wants, there's no reason not to. After all, with how much she is around here as it is, she already feels like part of the family."
"Heck yeah!" Matsuri shouted as she pumped a fist. She looked over at Kagami with a cheeky grin. "Won't that be nice, eh. Having your little girlfriend around all the time to be lovey-dovey with."
Kagami looked at her older sister with admonishment as her cheeks went red. "I-idiot, don't talk about weird stuff at a time like this!"
The rest of the family shared a quick laugh at the two's exchange. Even Kagami, despite her embarrassment, found herself smiling as well as the tense atmosphere began to settle down. It was decided that tomorrow, Kagami would make the offer to Konata. If the blunette chose to live with the Hiiragi family, Kagami decided she would share her room with her, given that they didn't have any spare rooms for Konata to use. With most of the details decided, the family decided that it was getting rather late, and so everybody had begun retiring for the night.
This is gonna be great, Kagami thought to herself as she walked through the hallway towards her door, Konata's stuff in hand. Konata's gonna live with us, there's no way she'll refuse. Despite everything, I'm kind of happy I'll get to be with her more. I hope she likes it here.
With great care, she opened the door and stepped into her bedroom. She shut the door silently, placed Konata's luggage on the floor in front of her closet, and turned towards her bed to find a sight that brought her mood down instantly. Konata at that moment was tossing and turning in her sleep, tears and small sad whimpers escaping as nightmares plagued her mind.
Instincts kicking in, Kagami rushed over to her bed. As soon as she stood next to it, she placed a hand on Konata's forehead and began softly stroking across her bangs. Kagami breathed a small sigh of relief as Konata almost instantly seemed to calm down greatly. Her breath was still unsteady, but she had stopped tossing about, and began to lay more still.
"It'll be okay Konata, you're safe now." Kagami whispered sweetly. Slowly and carefully she climbed into her bed, trying her best not to awaken her girlfriend. Konata's eyes briefly opened halfway and then closed again, as she muttered something incoherent and turned towards Kagami. The Hiiragi carefully snaked her arm under Konata's neck, bringing the smaller girl's head into her chest. Her other hand had begun running through Konata's soft, long hair.
Kagami kissed her girlfriend on the forehead, and was pleased to see Konata finally smile as she cuddled more closely to the tsundere. Kagami rested her chin atop Konata's head as she looked out at the stars shining brightly in the night sky. As she watched, her stomach churned with a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, she felt excited that she would be with her love more than ever. On the other hand, she felt anxious at the thought of the challenges Konata would now face with her father and how dramatically her life was changing. She looked down at the smiling face of her sleeping girlfriend, and felt her own eyes beginning to droop.
No matter what Konata, I will make sure you're safe, and do whatever it takes to make you happy. She thought, before finally letting sleep take hold.
A/N: Glad I could make your day Gonstika. It's good to know you still enjoy it.
Remember to leave those reviews guys! I wanna know what you think.
Lucky Star is owned by Kagami Yoshimizu.