They both started working at the coffehouse, a few hours here and there turning into more regular shifts, sometimes even at the same time. As winter advanced to spring, their hair grew out and they took turns dyeing it various unique colors, partially to draw attention away from the video and partially as a way of bonding with the other staff, all of whom had opinions on the right color.
Their savings slowly started to accumulate, even after food, supplies, and the occasional luxury were taken out. At this rate, Kanade estimated they might even have enough for a deposit on a new apartment by the fall.
In the meantime, the tent had almost begun to seem like home. After the lice incident, their furnishings hadn't given them any more trouble, and, although they were mostly stuck inside when bad weather hit, Kanade began to realize that spending time with Yukino was most of what she wanted out of life. All things considered, the time she spent with her sister - talking, laughing, playing, cuddling, or even just quiet companionship - was more valuable to her than the money she earned from a job that kept them apart more often than not.
Yukino felt the same way, but did a better job of planning on how to express it.
The day started with the smell of real breakfast - hot coffee, eggs, bacon, and pastries. None of Kanade's recent mornings had started with anything but cold water and trail mix, so it was hard to separate reality from the dream, especially since Yukino kissed her, lightly, on the lips, to wake her up.
"Yuki... what's..."
"Good morning, Kana! Breakfast in bed for you today! And I let you sleep in since you had a late shift last night and neither of us works until tomorrow. Try the coffee first."
Kanade, somewhat bemused, took a slow sip of a rich latte with cinnamon. After a second sip, she asked, "Is... is this from the coffeehouse? Tastes like it..."
Yukino nodded. "I got everything from Options. I placed the order last night and they had everything waiting for me first thing in the morning - all I had to do was get it before you woke up. And I made it just in time!"
Kanade took another sip, and lay back in bed, enjoying the softness and warmth and the realization she had nothing else to do today except relax. "Is there a special occasion for this, or...?"
Yukino shook her head. "Nope! Just wanted to treat you to something nice!"
"Mmm... have you had breakfast yet?"
Yukino shook her head again, and smiled. "Thought you'd never ask..." she said, climbing into bed beside Kanade.
Afterwards they dressed and stepped out, stretching in the late morning sun. The winter weather had turned to spring, with a steady breeze and high cumulus clouds stretching over the city. Before she could say anything Yukino took Kanade by the arm and started leading her towards the hiking path along a local river.
After a while, Yukino started to babble happily about various things - work gossip, the nice weather, cute outfits worn by passersby - and Kanade let it wash over her, enjoying the feel of Yukino's head on her shoulder and the smell of her soap drifting over.
They stopped near a shopping center a few stops down from their train station. Yukino surprised her again by pulling out wrapped sandwiches and bottles of juice from her coat, and they ate on a bench, people-watching the foot traffic.
Afterwards Yukino stood up and pulled Kanade up by the arm, then led her, pinkies linked, into the mall and the chocolatier there. Before she could protest, her sister had already run up to the counter and purchased a small assortment box, which she presented to Kanade.
"Yuki, we can't afford this..."
Yukino was practically jumping with enthusiasm. "We can, we can! I saved up over the past week, everything's on me! Just hurry up and have some so I can have some too!"
Kanade looked over the inside box lid, which listed the various fillings and flavors, finally settling on a pineapple cream for herself and a mint chocolate for Yukino, who closed her eyes, opened her mouth, and ate it like a baby bird.
They walked around together for the rest of the afternoon, doling out the sweets two at a time, talking and playing. During a brief downpour, they ran hand in hand to a small pedestrian tunnel where they made out while waiting for the rain, Kanade pushing Yukino up against the wall, each tasting a hint of chocolate on the other's lips and tongue.
They ended the afternoon on the grassy lawn near their camp, Kanade lying with her head in Yukino's lap while her sister gently brushed her hair with her fingers.
"Yuki-chan... can you tell me, honestly, why we did what we did today? It was wonderful, but I just want to understand why."
Yukino smiled. "Oh, Kana," she said, leaning over and kissing her forehead. "Honestly, there's no real reason beyond the fact that I love you and love to see you happy. Life has had its ups and downs recently, but we're still together and closer than we've ever been. I know it seems odd, but..." she looked away for a moment and sniffed. "There are some things that still hurt, and I wish were different, but things, in a way, are better for us than they've ever been. And I wanted to take a day to remind you... and me... both of us that... what we've got is so, so wonderful, no matter what else is happening."
Kanade curled up on her side, took one of Yukino's hands and kissed it. "I was thinking the same thing." She looked up again. "But this was the best possible way to be reminded of it. Thank you, Yuki."
"You're welcome. Should we go get dinner? I meant to tell you, once the sun goes down the day is over and it's your turn to pay."
Kanade sighed, stood, and led her sister off by the hand to the nearest noodle shop.