So, Hideki is pretty much done regarding the story; he will still show up occasionally but will not be a main character anymore.
I know many people were...annoyed with him...by the end of the last chapter, but I had to finish his arc.
That's why I had Mei and Rena come to that unspoken agreement about her taking over helping him with his school stuff. That was supposed to be her way of letting him go.
So we'll focus on Mei, Yuzu, and Airi more.
If you'd like to know more about my choices in the story, please feel free to PM me or contact me on other social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, or Reddit under this name.
For those curious, I'm not doing the time jump yet. I had a lot of ideas while writing that last chapter; this story takes a life of its own. Hideki's stuff should have been done long ago, but that was my Dressrosa arc if you're familiar with One Piece.
I have plans and story beats I will hit, but there may be diversions, so I ask for your patience with me. I know I screwed up by taking a two-year break, but I had to get all that rust off and finish my ideas and Hideki's arc. I deleted half of that last chapter and several paragraphs multiple times. It was a nightmare, but it had things I wanted to write for Mei and Yuzu to get through to open up more space for Airi.
That being said, my car was broken into, and someone tried to steal it, and on March 12, I was carrying a box that weighed 32 kilos, or just around 70 pounds, with dry ice inside. While holding it, I tripped over a pallet, hurt my hand knees, and bruised my stomach. I'm healing, but that's why this chapter took so long. I'm pretty sure I broke two fingers which are almost healed.
I planned to post this on March 21, my 37th bday, but due to the injury, that didn't happen, so HAPPY BELATED BDAY PRESENT FROM ME TO YOU!
"Airi-chan!"
After snapping the clasps of her acoustic guitar case shut, Airi looked up and saw two girls standing in the doorway to her class.
The taller of the two was named, Kyoko was in the year ahead of Airi, but they took piano together. From what Airi could tell, Kyoko was what her mama would call stuck up sometimes, but she wasn't mean or bad and was always helping everyone and even shared her snacks sometimes.
The other girl who was in Airi's year was named Momiji and was in the same year as Airi and took guitar and violin with her. She didn't say much and was a little taller than Airi, but she played well, and that's all Airi knew about her.
Deciding it would be best not to be rude, Airi raised her hand and waved, saying, "Hi, Kyoko-chan."
Waving back, Kyoko grabbed Momiji's hand and pulled her into the classroom, pushing past some kids leaving to go home. Around them, other kids finished packing up, which Airi continued doing until Kyoko and Momiji stopped before her, smiling nervously.
"Hey, Airi-chan, what are you doing this weekend," asked Kyoko, her usual smile plastered on her face while Momiji fidgeted beside her.
"I dunno," answered Airi after ensuring she had everything ready. "I know I gotta practice, though, because my Mommy and Mama said I need to practice an hour a day on the instruments I don't use in class. And my big brother is staying with his dad for a bit, and Honoka-chan's gotta go somewhere with her mom, and my cousins have stuff to do, so I don't know. What are you gonna do?"
Kyoko's grin widened as she puffed out her chest and said, "I'm gonna have a sleepover with Momiji at my house. We're gonna play games and watch movies and try to read some of the manga my mom makes."
"Your mom makes manga," asked Airi, her eyes growing wide. "What kind?"
"I don't know," said Kyoko, shrugging while deflating slightly. "She said I can't read it, and when I asked her about her books, she said I can't read those either. But I know where she keeps some that she gives her friends, so Momiji and I were gonna try to read them when we have our sleepover."
"Are you sure you aren't gonna get in trouble," asked Airi worriedly.
"We won't as long as we don't get caught," chuckled Kyoko while Momiji looked dubious. "Why? Do you get in trouble if you read manga?"
"No," said Airi, puffing out her chest. "My moms buy me manga sometimes. I got stuff like Anpanman, the one about Chi the kitty cat, and other ones my uncle and brother gave me after my mommies said I could have them."
"Are those any good," asked Momiji, intrigued. "I think I heard my dad talk about that Anpanman once when we saw a bread shaped like him in a bakery, but I've never read it. What about you, Kyoko-chan?"
"Nope," answered Kyoko with a shrug. "But if you want, you can bring it over to read during the sleepover, Airi."
"You want me to come over?" asked Airi hesitantly. "
"Yeah," said Kyoko with a big smile. "Momiji-chan's gonna come over after the field trip Friday since we don't have classes on Saturday and wanted to invite you."
"Well," said Momiji, sounding apologetic as she spoke. "Kyoko-chan and I asked Honoka-chan to come too since you're friends, but she told us she was busy just like you told us. So, Kyoko-chan and I wanted to know if it'd be okay if you wanted to come since you haven't made a lot of friends yet."
"I'll have to ask my moms," said Airi, unsure if she should smile or say thank you. "Ummm...what do you do at sleepovers, though? I've only spent nights with my grandma, grandpa, auntie, and uncle. I once stayed at a friend's, which was a lot like staying with them. So if that's what we're gonna do, I think my moms will say yes."
"What'd you do with them," asked Momiji after waving bye to a few people she knew.
Airi listed off everything they'd done, from playing games, reading books, eating, and a list of activities that all got approving nods from her two new friends.
"We do all that stuff," said Kyoko excitedly. "Plus, if my mom isn't too busy and you ask her, she might draw you a picture. But she's on something she and my dad call a 'death march' which means she's probably gonna be grumpy. But she should be fine if she gets done before Friday and sleeps. If she sleeps, then she should be good, and she can make lots of yummy food. My mom's a good cook and will make my lunch for the field trip if she finishes her work. If she's not, my daddy will; he's not as good as her, but it's still yummy. He makes delicious omelettes."
"My dad is gonna make me a hamburger," answered Momiji haughtily but smiling. "He's better than my mom at cooking. What about you, Airi? Is your mom or dad going to make your lunch?"
"My Mama or Mommy will make me one," confirmed Airi, anxious at the prospect of possibly staying at a new friend's house but wary of what her friends would say once they realized her dad didn't live with her. "They're both good cooks, but my mama runs a restaurant, so she's yummy food all the time."
"Your mom runs a restaurant," said Kyoko, her eyes growing wide as she stepped toward Airi and reached out for Airi's hair. "That's so cool! There's this restaurant my daddy takes me to sometimes, and they make the best desserts. The lady who owns it is super nice and really pretty. She's always got her hair done nice, and ya know what, we should see if my mom or dad can help us make it look like hers. Especially yours, Airi-chan, your hair is really pre..."
"Don't touch me!"
Kyoko jumped back, her hand letting go of the tiny bit of hair she'd managed to get ahold of, while Airi took several steps backward while trying to cover her hair before tripping over her guitar case and crawling away to curl up in a ball.
Around her, several kids stared dumbstruck while a couple of older kids ran out of the room shouting for a teacher while Kyoko and Momiji looked at Airi worriedly.
"I wasn't trying to do anything, Airi," said Kyoko as she stepped forward, causing Airi to shuffle away. "I just wanted to say your hair is pretty, and it'd be fun if we all tried to do stuff with our hair."
"Don't touch my hair," whimpered Airi as she tried to cover her hair with her shirt. "No one can touch my hair. If you touch my hair, I won't be your friend."
"What is going on in here," asked Hagihara urgently, not raising his voice. "Kyoko-chan? Momiji-chan? What happened?"
Immediately, both girls explained everything that happened while Airi buried her face into her legs, becoming even more ball-like, ignoring the voices around her as she held onto her head.
"Airi-chan, is that what happened? Did Kyoko-chan try to touch your hair without permission?"
"Ye...yes," said Airi, ashamed for tattling on her friend, but she didn't want to get in trouble and hoped Kyoko didn't hate her.
"I see," said Hagihara understandingly once the girls finished, and he got confirmation from a few other kids confirming what happened. "I understand you didn't mean to scare her, but Airi-chan doesn't like people touching her hair."
"How come," asked Momiji sadly. "It's pretty, and we were just saying we wanted to try and style it with our on our sleepover."
"I agree," said Hagihara softly. "But Airi-chan doesn't like people she's not familiar with touching her hair, and before you ask, I'm not going to say why because that's up to her. But I will say that just like everyone else, you need to ask before touching her, and if she says no, you don't. Okay?"
"Yes, Sensei," said both girls in unison while a set of soft footsteps approached Airi.
Hearing these, Airi scooted back and whimpered, "Go away. I don't wanna be touched."
"That's fine," said a familiar voice. "But I'm right here whenever you're ready."
Her shaking hands steadied, and Airi lowered them while lifting her head to see the familiar purple eyes of her mother staring back at her while she smiled warmly.
"Mommy?"
"Hi, Airi," said Mei, keeping a respectful distance while remaining at eye level with her daughter. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," said Airi, wiping her eyes as she looked at Kyoko and Momiji. "I...I got scared and yelled because they said they wanted to play with my hair, and Kyoko-chan touched it, so I yelled at them."
"I heard." Mei inched closer to her daughter, relieved the girl didn't move. "I was talking to Hagihara-san when it happened, and I'm not mad. So, I don't want you to think you're in trouble, okay?"
"Okay." Airi's body relaxed, and she moved closer to Mei and began playing with her shoelace. "Are you gonna tell Mama?"
"I am," confirmed Mei, and Airi whined.
"Stop," said Mei gently before placing a cautious hand on Airi's shoulder and squeezing it. "Mama won't be mad; she'll just want to know that you're okay and if you need anything. Also, you can tell Fukui-san during your session tomorrow. Will that help?"
"Ye...yeah," said Airi, feeling a little relaxed. "Can I still go on the field trip?"
"Of course, you can," chuckled Mei, poking her daughter's nose. "Mama and I will make you a special lunch for it since it's your first real field trip. But for now, we'll go home and spend the night relaxing."
"Okay." Airi grinned at Mei and then looked past her mom to Kyoko and Momiji; both were eyeing Airi nervously while Hagihara kept an eye on them.
"Do you want to talk with your friends before we leave," asked Mei quietly. "I'm sure they don't want you to leave thinking you hate them."
"Yeah," agreed Airi feeling like she'd swallowed a stone. "Do you think they hate me, Mommy?"
"I think they're scared and confused," answered Mei honestly, with a hint of softness. "But right now, I think the best thing to do is say sorry and let them decide what to do. What do you think?"
Airi nodded and held her hand out to Mei, who stood up and helped her daughter to her feet before walking them over to where Momiji and Kyoko stood.
When they arrived, all three girls recoiled slightly, given what had happened with Momiji tugging her dress and Kyoko squeezing her best friend's hand while Airi shuffled uncomfortably.
"I...I'm sorry I yelled at you," said Airi softly while clutching her mother's hand, her eyes locked on the pair before her. "It wasn't cuz I don't like you, I just...I..."
While tugging on her overalls, Airi fumbled momentarily, saying, "Some girls did bad stuff to me at my old school, so I yelled. I was scared you were going to do stuff like they did. I'm sorry I yelled at you; I don't hate you; I was just scared."
"It's okay," said the other girls quietly and in unison.
"It's not your fault," said Kyoko, her voice shaking but keeping eye contact with Airi while Momiji did her best to do the same, but occasionally averting her glance. "I should have asked if I could touch it. But I still want you to spend the night with me and Momiji if that's okay?"
Surprised, Mei looked down at Airi, but the girl didn't notice as she asked, "Do you want me to come over too, Momiji-chan?"
"Ye...yeah." Momiji nodded, finally mustering her courage to look Airi in the face. "I want to be friends, so it's not like we have to do hair stuff to have fun. I wouldn't want someone to touch my hair if someone did mean stuff to me, so we don't need to play that game. We can still do all the other stuff we talked about so that way you don't get upset again."
"Thanks," said Airi, smiling nervously. "I'll bring lots of my manga so you can read it."
"And I'll make sure my mommy gets done with her work so she and daddy can make us a big dinner," said Kyoko making all three girls giggle, and the adults laugh.
"Well, I think we cleared that up," Hagihara laughed. "Gotta love the resiliency of kids."
"I agree," said Mei while the girls continued to chat quietly about what they would do during the sleepover. "Thank you for being here for this. It means a lot to Yuzu and me that she has a trustworthy teacher."
"It's not a problem. I'm just glad we could resolve it so easily." Hagihara sighed, and Mei gave him an understanding nod as one educator to another. "And just in time, too, because this is about when Kyoko-chan's dad picks them up. I will need to contact both of their parents to discuss what happened today. Would it be all right if I give them a brief explanation along with your and Yuzu-san's phone numbers so they can get in touch if they need to?"
"Of course," said Mei before gently pressing a hand on Airi's head, not surprised by her daughter's slight flinch before she relaxed. "Besides, if Yuzu and I have to prepare Airi for a sleepover, it'd be best if we had their information in case of an emergency."
"Then I'll do just that." Hagihara smiled at Mei and then down at Airi. "You have a fun night, okay? And remember, you have a field trip and sleepover to look forward to, so try not to think about the bad stuff right now, promise?"
"I promise." Airi nodded and squeezed Mei's leg before grabbing her instruments, handing her mother her bag, and approaching the other girls.
"Thanks for still wanting to be my friend," said Airi with a blush.
"Same," said Kyoko while Momiji smiled back.
All three girls chuckled, and after they said their goodbyes, Mei and Airi exited the building and headed to the train stop.
"Are you sure Mama's not gonna get mad at me," inquired Airi as they boarded the train toward their house.
"Of course I am," answered Mei, wrapping her arm around Airi's shoulder. "You were scared, and the girls didn't know what happened at your old school, so I don't see any reason for anyone to be in trouble. Mama and I know how picky you are about who touches your hair after what happened, and your reaction was understandable. You didn't do anything wrong, Airi, and I know I can't stop it, but I promise you that you don't have anything to worry about."
"Okay."
Airi cuddled closer to Mei and buried her face into Mei's side, earning her a couple of chuckles from a man and a woman sitting across from them and an older woman commenting on how adorable Airi was.
While Mei thanked them, Airi did her best to hide, but she gave the woman a shy smile before hiding her face again.
Eventually, the train rocking caused her to doze off, and it wasn't until Airi felt her mother gently shaking her awake that she realized they'd finally made it to their stop.
"Thank you for waking up," chuckled Mei handing Airi her school bag while she took the guitar. "Come on, we need to stop by the store for a few things for dinner, and then we'll be home."
Airi said nothing but yawned while she nodded and rubbed her eye as they exited the train.
They had to make a brief detour due to nature calling, but once Airi was feeling better, they stopped by the store and grabbed several ingredients that Airi grew curious about.
When she asked Mei what they were for, her mother said, "Mama said she needed extra for dinner tonight, and the rest is for your bento for your field trip. But don't ask what we're making because it's a surprise."
"Fine," pouted Airi when Mei handed her the bag holding some breading and vegetables. "What's for dinner tonight?"
"That's a surprise, too," said Mei making Airi grumble in frustration.
"Is it a secret, or are you teasing me?"
"In all honesty, Airi, Mama didn't tell me because she said she had a big surprise planned, so even I'm not sure," said Mei, mildly annoyed. "But she's almost done with her work, so we'll just have to wait and see what she has planned for us. But from the looks of what she had us pick up, I'm guessing maybe tonkatsu is one component."
"Yes," said Airi jumping in place, making Mei smirk. "Mama makes the best tonkatsu. If she makes that, are you gonna make the miso soup? I like it when you add the clams and bok choy."
"If you like," smiling down at her daughter. "I don't know if we have fresh clams, but we might have some frozen, and we can stop by the vegetable stand for the bok choy, and I'll add tofu as well since we have to use what's in the fridge."
Airi let out a squeak of excitement, making Mei smile, and they risked stopping by the greengrocers for the bok choy, which was good luck as Yuzu requested some broccoli and a few other veggies to use in a side salad.
With those purchases made, Airi and Mei headed home, and when they reached the front door, the girl could barely contain her excitement as she approached the door and began bouncing excitedly.
"Hurry, Mommy! I wanna give Mama this stuff so she can start cooking."
"I'm hurrying," puffed Mei as she adjusted the guitar on her shoulder and fought to remove her key from her office bag while fighting with the groceries.
Growing tired of waiting, Airi offered to open the door, and Mei handed her the keys while making a mental note to talk to Yuzu about getting a key made for Airi.
When the door opened, Airi spent little time removing her shoes, setting aside her school bag, and ran toward the living room shouting, "Mama! We're..."
Her voice stopped as soon as Mei entered the door, followed by the bag hitting the ground and Airi running back toward Mei and hiding behind her.
"What's the matter?" asked Mei, seeing the frightened look on Airi's face. "Airi, did something happen to Mama?"
"There are strangers in the living room," whispered Airi, peeking from Mei and pointing at the entryway.
"What kind of strangers," asked Mei looking around for the baseball bat they usually kept near the front door just in case situations like this
Before Airi could answer, a figure appeared in the entryway, followed by running footsteps and Yuzu shouting, "Sorry about that! It was one of my...oh crap!"
"Careful, Yuzu-san," shouted the other person managing to help Yuzu avoid running into the wall after a last-second dodge.
"Thanks," laughed Yuzu, smiling at the woman and holding a hand over her heart. "Talk about cutting it close. Are you all right?"
The woman nodded and adjusted her glasses before pointing at the door where Mei stood, dumbfounded as Airi hid behind her, staring menacingly at the supposed intruder.
"I am said the figure," smiling at the pair near the door. "But don't worry about me; it seems Mei-san and Airi-chan have come home."
"What?"
Taking one last gulp of air, Yuzu looked from her guest to the door, and her face lit up at seeing Mei and Airi.
"Why didn't you tell me you were almost home," she asked, running toward her wife and daughter and pulling them into a hug. "If you'd have said something, I would have had them hide to surprise you."
"Who's them," repeated Mei as Kayo waved politely at Airi, who continued to hide behind her mothers. "You don't mean..."
"I'm here too," sighed Mitsuko, appearing and running her hand through her hair, looking embarrassed. "Sorry about that, Mei. I was coming out of the kitchen with drinks and didn't have the light on. I guess I scared her because she dropped the groceries and ran when she saw me. I'll pay you back for anything broken or needs to get tossed out."
"It was rather funny," chuckled Kayo, taking her wife's hand. "But we are sorry, we thought Yuzu had told you we had dropped in. We just got back yesterday, and since the other two are out of town on a trip, we thought we'd stop by for a visit."
"It is good to see you two," said Mei, smiling slightly. "Airi, can you come out and greet our guests? It's okay; they aren't strangers. They're friends of mine and Mama's."
"Promise," asked Airi, looking up at Yuzu, who smiled down at her and nodded.
"Promise," said Yuzu offering her hand to Airi. "Come on; I'll walk you up and introduce you to them."
"Can Mommy come?" asked Airi taking Yuzu's hand.
"I planned on it," said Mei taking Airi's free hand, joining Yuzu in walking their daughter up to greet their guests.
When they were a comfortable distance away, Airi let go of her mom's hands and bowed politely, saying, "Hi. I'm Aihara Airi. Nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too," said Kayo bowing in return. "I'm Taniguchi Kayo."
"And I'm Taniguchi Mitsuko," said Mitsuko awkwardly as she bowed. "It's nice to see you again, kiddo. You've gotten big."
"Taniguchi," repeated Airi as she raised her head and stared at the two women. "You mean like Auntie Harumi and Auntie Matsuri?"
"That's right," said Mitsuko excitedly as she grinned and pointed at herself. "I'm your Aunt Harumi's big sister. We've met before, but that was when you were little. I think it was when your mom opened the restaurant."
"Oh." Airi narrowed her eyes at Mitsuko and then turned to Kayo. "Are you Auntie Harumi's sister too?"
"Sort of," chuckled Kayo pointing at the ring on her left hand. "I"m Mitsuko's wife, which makes me Harumi's sister-in-law. But I've known her for a long time, almost as long as I've known your...mom?"
Kayo looked at Mei, who nodded and then pointed at Yuzu, "That is the word we use for me. Regarding Yuzu, it's 'mama,' and for Rena, Udagawa's wife, it's 'Mama Rena' for Hideki and 'Auntie Rena' with Airi."
"I see." Kayo nodded and then turned her attention back to Airi. "But yes, Mitsuko-san and I have been friends with your moms for a long time. We both attended the academy your mom runs, but Mitsuko-san graduated before your mama attended. But we became friends afterward, although we've lost touch since the two of us moved out of the country a few years back for work."
"Why'd you move?"
"How about we take this conversation into the living room," said Yuzu, patting Airi's head, which the girl accepted happily. "We can get comfortable, and I can start dinner while we all catch up."
"Would you like some help," Mitsuko offered, her eyes darting to Airi before returning to Yuzu. "I've learned a lot about cooking since we left, and I'd like your input, Yuzu."
"That'd be a big help," chuckled Yuzu, gathering the bags Mei had set aside and ushering them out of the doorway. "Jeez Mei, how much did you buy?"
"Enough," sighed Mei while Kayo chuckled and Mitsuko kept casting nervous glances at a still glaring Airi. "And stop complaining; you're only carrying it to the kitchen. I'm the one who had to carry it home on top of helping Airi with all her things."
"That you did," chuckled Yuzu before leaning in close. "I'll give you a shoulder rub later as thanks. I'm sorry I asked you to pick up so much, but I promise I'll make it up to you."
"You'd better," huffed Mei as Mitsuko bent down to gather the ingredients Airi had dropped so she could inspect them.
"Ingredients look good," said Mitsuko, her voice spiking nervously while Airi climbed onto the couch, her eyes laser-focused on the older woman as Kayo and Mei joined the girl in the living room. "Is she always like this?"
"Only after she's had the crap scared out of her."
There was a laugh from Kayo, who sat on one of the cushions near the coffee table, while Mei joined Airi and attempted to distract her daughter by including her in their conversation.
"She's not going to bite my ankles or anything, is she," inquired Mitsuko attempting to focus on helping Yuzu but still casting nervous glances at Airi, who seemed to have a knack for making eye contact the moment the older woman turned her gaze.
"Trust me; you're safe, chuckled Yuzu while they organized the ingredients. "Besides, even if she did, she's had all her shots, so it's not like you're gonna get rabies or anything."
"Is that possible," asked Mitsuko with a dry chuckle, but something had Yuzu wondering if she was serious about her inquiry.
"I don't know." Yuzu shrugged and pulled on her apron while they talked. "As I said, you're not in any real danger. She's just putting on airs because new people are in the house. Trust me; she's harmless."
"I don't think so," replied Mitsuko, trying to avoid Airi's gaze. "She looks like she's about to come after me like one of those dogs Momokino raises. Look."
Stopping her work, Yuzu looked up to see Airi's eyes still locked on them; her body coiled up like a cattle dog preparing to lunge at a cow.
Rolling her eyes, Yuzu managed to get her daughter's attention and made a series of hand gestures that told Airi she'd better stop or there would be trouble.
At first, the girl seemed to get the idea. However, the moment Yuzu looked away, Airi shifted back to her original position, causing Yuzu to roll her eyes and motion for Mitsuko to focus on something else.
"Just ignore her," sighed Yuzu getting out the utensils while Mitsuko loaded the vegetables into a strainer and began washing them. "She's just nervous because you're here and scared her earlier. Kids get like this sometimes with people they don't know. But she should calm down once she knows you're safe and we trust you. Given what's been going on lately, it might take a few visits, but she'll warm up to you soon enough."
"Is she all right," inquired Mitsuko while tying her apron and noticing the change in Yuzu's face. "Are you all right?"
Yuzu noticed Mitsuko's head tilt toward Mei and gave a tired smile saying, "We are, but I'm not going to say anything without talking with Mei about it. It's been a tough year, but we're getting through it. It's taken a lot of work and outside help, but we're doing much better than earlier this year. But Mei needs to be a part of this conversation, so let's focus on the food and other things for now. Is that okay?"
"Works for me," said Mitsuko before placing a nervous hand on Yuzu's shoulder. "I know we're not close, but you can talk to us just like I hope we can talk to you if necessary."
"Thanks, Mitsuko-san, and you know we're here for you, just like we are for Harumin and Matsuri." Yuzu patted the woman's hand and let out a relaxing breath before gesturing at the ingredients. "So, give me a rundown on what you want to do, and I'll do what I can to help. It'll be good practice when I finally start helping at the school."
While Mitsuko and Yuzu went about their lesson, with Mitsuko asking Yuzu about what she had planned for when she started to help at the school, Mei was doing her best to turn Airi's attention away from them and toward the show she'd turned on.
"I'm making sure Mama is safe," whispered Airi pulling her leg away from Mei, who was trying to pull her daughter away from the arm of the couch.
"You're being rude," stated Mei, trying to regain a hold of her daughter, who managed to avoid capture despite not looking at her mother.
"She's certainly spirited," chuckled Kayo, watching Mitsuko and Yuzu's lesson. "More carefree than her brother, at least."
"They have their similarities," sighed Mei, throwing up her hands in defeat before turning her attention to her former senpai. "Their stubbornness being the most prevalent."
"That's to be expected," said Kayo focusing on Mei and winking. "You and Yuzu are stubborn, and it's nice to see they've inherited that trait."
"It is," agreed Mei, smirking. "But I think it's been amplified with them, but I suppose it'll only help them in the long run. It certainly did for Hideki; I don't think he'd have made it into Tokyo University this year if he wasn't so stubborn."
"So he's starting college," inquired Kayo with an approving nod. "That's good; from how Harumi made it sound, he was having difficulty figuring things out."
"It was much more complicated than that," said Mei while gesturing towards the small box of cookies on the table and opening it when Kayo nodded.
After handing one to Airi, who began chewing it cautiously while she continued her surveillance, Mei waited for Kayo to take one before grabbing one.
"How so," asked Kayo hiding a smirk as she watched Mitsuko approach cautiously, carrying drinks for the three women.
Before Mei could answer, Mitsuko arrived, though arriving from Mei's side of the couch to avoid Airi, although it did little to deter the girl as she shifted in her seat to keep her focus on Mitsuko.
"Yuzu thought you guys might like something to go with the cookies," coughed Mitsuko, setting down a couple of empty glasses, a pitcher filled with tea, and a large glass filled with lemonade. "How are they?"
"They wonderful," said Mei while pouring herself a drink. "What's in them?"
"They're a maple cream cookie," explained Kayo after drinking some lemonade. "We got them in a city called Seattle we visited when we were in the United States."
"You've been to America," asked Airi after sipping some tea her mother offered her.
"We've been all over," explained Mitsuko nervously. "But we spent the last few months in America before coming home. Those cookies come from a country called Canada which is north of the United States, but we bought them at the airport before we left. Do you like them, Airi-chan?"
"They're okay," said Airi flatly before polishing off her cookie and sipping her tea.
"Airi," said Mei, her voice filled with warning. "You're being rude again."
"It's all right," said Mitsuko, watching Airi grab another cookie and nibble. "But I'm happy you like them. Kayo-san and I brought a box filled with presents for you and your moms, so don't eat too many; there's much more where that came from."
"You didn't need to do that," said Mei, looking at Kayo and Mitsuko. "Having you visit was more than we expected after you've been gone for so long."
"We figured it'd make up for all the holidays and birthdays we forgot about over the past few years," said Kayo pointing at a large box in the corner. "There's plenty in there for you to share with Udagawa-san and his family. Matusri, Harumi, and my family already received theirs, so feel free to share them. There's a nice mix of snacks, jams, syrups, other treats, and knick-knacks. Some of them are samples from clients for the import business we're running, and we'd love the feedback from Yuzu and Udagawa-san's staff to see if they'd like to try adding them to their menus."
"I'll discuss it with him at our next manager's meeting," said Yuzu loudly from the kitchen before waving at Mitsuko. "Are you going to come back, or do you want to talk? I'm fine with either. Just let me know so I can adjust my plan."
"I'm coming," said Mitsuko, embarrassed that she'd left Yuzu alone after offering to help but annoyed that the younger woman was pulling rank on her. "I'll leave you three to it, Airi, don't fill up on cookies, please. Your Mama is teaching me how to make tonkatsu, and I want your honest opinion. Although I make a pretty mean miso soup."
"You can't make the miso soup," snapped Airi, almost spilling her drink, earning her a glare from Mei and a shocked look from Kayo, and another from Mitsuko once she turned to face the kitchen, though she was beginning to regret it when she saw the frustration on Yuzu's face."
"Airi," warned Yuzu from the kitchen. "I know you're not used to having them around, but watch the attitude because if you don't, you can wait in your room until we're done eating before you eat."
"But Mommy said she was gonna make her special soup," argued Airi shifting her gaze between her mothers. "She promised! You promised."
"And she will," added Yuzu, cutting off Mei before she could confirm the promise. "I saw the veggies, and I already have the tofu draining for her, but they are guests, and do we treat guests the way you've been treating them?"
"No, Mama," said Airi, conceding to her mother's point.
"No, we don't," repeated Yuzu pointing at Mitsuko, who was beginning to prepare the pork while Kayo sipped her lemonade quietly. "Now apologize."
"But..."
"Apologize, Airi," said Mei calmly, taking her daughter's drink and pointing at Kayo and Mitsuko. "Or I will take you upstairs myself."
There was a tense pause, the only noise in the kitchen being that of Mitsuko, who was doing what little busy work she could get away with while they waited for Airi to make her move.
The girl looked at Mei and saw the familiar warmth replaced with her disciplinary glare. Knowing she wouldn't find any sympathy there. When she turned to face Yuzu, Airi was glad Mei had taken the drink from her because she would have dropped it when she saw her mother's face.
Airi had rarely seen her birth mother glare the way she was at that moment. Her usually bright and cheery demeanor was replaced by a coldness that, for a moment, Airi thought her mothers had switched bodies.
Knowing that the battle was lost, Airi shrunk into the couch until only her eyes peeked over the arm as she spoke.
"I'm sorry, Mitsuko-san," said Airi, hoping the woman could hear her voice over the noise before looking at Kayo. "Sorry, Kayo-san."
"I accept your apology," said Kayo while Mitsuko shouted something similar but was so focused on her work that she didn't say much else. "I know that it's tough getting to know new people, and we understand your frustration. But we do want to be your friends, but we know it takes time. So we'll take it slow until you're comfortable with us being here. Okay?"
Airi nodded and looked up at Mei, who was avoiding eye contact with her daughter and instead focused on her drink, taking deep breaths between drinks.
"Mommy?" she asked, scooting closer to Mei and hugging her arm. "Mommy, I'm sorry I was bad."
"I know you are," said Mei quietly, setting her glass down and patting Airi's hand. "I know you had a difficult day, and having guests, you don't know show up didn't help, did it?"
Airi shook her head and began nuzzling Mei's arm.
"I also didn't want her to make the soup. I want your soup, and when she said she wanted to make it, I got mad. That's why I yelled."
"I understand," answered Mei watching as Yuzu approached, her mood much calmer than earlier. "Somebody did something you didn't like and didn't know how to react, so you did the first thing that popped into your head. Does that sound about right?"
"Yeah," said Airi, her voice shaking a little. "It was like when Kyoko-chan touched my hair, I got angry and afraid, and all I could do was scream."
"That explains a lot," sighed Yuzu, dropping onto the floor and holding her arms out for Airi once her daughter looked at her.
Yuzu smiled and lovingly said, "Come here, Sweetie."
Airi wasted little time detaching herself from Mei and slid into Yuzu's arms, allowing her mother to hug and kiss her while whispering, "It's okay; you're safe."
"I'm sorry, Mama," sniffled Airi as she clung to Yuzu's shirt and rubbed her face into her mother's chest. "I'm sorry, Mommy."
"We know you are," whispered Yuzu as she rocked her daughter. "I don't know everything that happened, and I'm sure Mommy and I will talk about it tonight. But I'm sorry you had something like that happen today, and I'm sorry if I came off as mean or scary, but I had to set a boundary with you because Mitsuko-san and Kayo-san didn't do anything to deserve getting treated like that, did they?"
"No," said Airi, her voice muffled due to her mother's hug.
"No, they didn't," repeated Yuzu, looking at Mei, now stroking Airi's hair. "But Mommy and I understand, and now I'm sure Mitsuko-san and Kayo-san understand what happened now too. But that doesn't excuse it, and I will tell Fukui-san when I drop you off before I go to my session so we can figure out better ways for you to react to stuff like this. All right?"
"Yes, Mama." Airi lifted her head and pressed it against the bottom of Yuzu's chin, rubbing it together. "Do I have to tell him about what happened at school with my hair? Mommy said I could if I wanted, but I dunno if I want to."
"Then think about it," said Yuzu, smiling at Mei. "You don't have to tell him right away. But remember that if you feel it's important to tell him, then tell him, and he'll help you, and if you give him permission, tell Mommy and me, or you can tell us so we can help you. All right?
Airi nodded, and Yuzu squeezed her tight.
"That's my girl," said Yuzu before giving Airi one more wet kiss on the forehead, causing the girl to giggle and groan in disgust. "You like it."
Airi shook her head but clung to Yuzu for one more long hug until Mitsuko shouted for Yuzu's help figuring out how to handle the oil they were using for frying.
After Yuzu excused herself, Airi rejoined Mei on the couch and wrapped Mei's arm around her, and asked, "Do you still like me, Kayo-san?"
"Of course I do," said Kayo, with a small laugh. "Do you like me?"
"I don't know," answered Airi, shrugging. "I think so, but I don't know yet."
"Well, you take all the time you need to figure that out," said Kayo getting an appreciative smile from Mei. "And even if you do not like me or Mitsuko, that's fine; you don't have to like everybody you meet. But I'd like it if we could get along and spend time together and if we do that, maybe we'll become friends. What do you say to that?"
"I guess that could work," answered Airi looking unsure. "But how do I know if I'll like you?"
"Well, normally, the best way to do that is to get to know each other," explained Kayo, who got an approving nod from Mei.
"How," repeated Airi, still looking confused.
"One way is to tell stories about each other or our likes and interests. For instance," Kayo turned and pointed up at the mantle where the clock Hideki had bought in New York was positioned next to what looked like a leather chest that Kayo was pointing at, "your Mama was telling us about how Hideki found that clock at a thrift shop in New York and how he sent it home for you all. And before she got called by her work, she was going to show us what was in the box, but then you got home, and here we are. But I understand if it's a secret, so you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"That's Mama's Christmas present from Mommy," explained Airi, looking nervously at Mei, wondering if saying even that was okay. "It's special, and only Mommy and Mama can touch it."
"I see." Kayo looked disappointed, but something told Mei she wasn't as hung up on it as she looked. "Well, that's a shame, but if you can't show me, can you tell me what's inside?"
Airi looked at Mei quizzically, knowing what her daughter wanted; Mei nodded and said, "You can tell her."
A slight grin appeared on Airi's face, and she turned back to Kayo and said, "It's a purple flower."
"A purple flower," said Kayo sounding a little too intrigued, but Mei, seeing the pride on Airi's face at being able to tell this secret, appreciated the slight exaggeration. "That's amazing; what kind of flower?"
"I don't remember," said Airi scrunching her face as she tried to remember. "I know that when Mama showed me, she said it would last forever and came with other stuff. Mommy, can we show her?"
"As long as it stays in its box," said Mei, getting to her feet and retrieving the box, cradling it as she returned to the couch.
Setting the box down, Mei undid the latch and allowed Airi to turn it, revealing an entirely in-bloom purple rose. It was covered in what looked like a lacquer with delicate gold trim edging around the stem and leaf designed to keep its beauty in perfect stasis for as long as possible.
"It's pretty, huh," said Airi, a massive smile on her face. "It came with earrings that Mama keeps in her jewelry box; she said they're for special occasions, but she wears the necklace with a rose on it with the ring she bought Mommy when they were in school."
"It's lovely," said Kayo, smiling at Mei and Airi. "I understand why your moms want to keep it safe. Thank you for telling me about it, Airi-chan."
"You're welcome," said Airi, her smile growing as she looked at Mei. "Did I do good?"
"You did very good," said Mei, patting her head. "Now go get cleaned up while I put this away. I feel dinner will be ready soon, and it's getting late."
Airi nodded and ran towards the stairs, trying to give Mitsuko a nervous smile.
When she saw this, Mitsuko did the same and waved excitedly at the young girl, deciding it was worth the risk. The only problem with this gesture was Mitsuko forgetting that her hand was covered in a mixture of flour, panko, and egg, making AIri laugh and Mitsuko's face turn red when Yuzu complained about getting splattered with the concoction.
When they were alone, Kayo watched while Mei returned the box to its place and said, "I've seen these before online, and I've wondered if they were worth the cost. I've seen so many at so many prices that I've been worried about throwing money away to buy Mitsuko one. What are your thoughts?"
"Yuzu is happy with it," answered Mei softly, remembering the squeal of delight Yuzu gave when she saw it and the look of utter elation and adoration on her wife's face. "And I think it should be fine if you don't handle it often. There is a warranty, but I think the cost is more on the box and jewelry than the flower. I know it's not the most original idea, but the moment I saw it, I thought it'd make an excellent gift for her, and when I saw her reaction, I knew I had made the right decision."
"Well, if she's satisfied, maybe I'll take the risk on mine and Mitsuko's anniversary," said Kayo smiling and nearly busting into laughter as Mitsuko let out a scream of surprise as bubbling oil filled the kitchen.
"We're okay," said Yuzu, almost laughing herself at Mituko's reaction. "It's her first cooking with oil, and she let go a little too early, so we have some splatter."
"Are either of you burned," asked Mei, grabbing the box, closing it, and setting it on the mantle. "Do you need help?"
"We got it," said Yuzu before pointing at the dishes. "But we'll be done soon, so Mei, if you're going to make your soup, you'll want to start now so we can get the vegetables done. And Kayo-san, could you and Airi set the table?"
"You don't have to help if you don't want to," explained Mei before asking a freshly scrubbed Airi to grab her step stool to begin helping with the table. "Mitusko's already helping cook, and that's more than enough. We know you both must be tired after your trip."
"I'd love to help," said Kayo climbing to her feet and gathering the glasses and tea. "Besides, if you think I'm going to miss out on watching Mitsuko attempt to fry our dinner, you're sadly mistaken."
Thankfully, Mitsuko avoided burning the house with Yuzu's guidance, and they sat down for a meal. Overall, dinner was a success, and although she was still wary of their guests, Airi managed to relax enough to ask Mitsuko and Kayo questions about their trips and sat captivated as they told her about all the places they'd been.
Whether her relaxation was from exposure to their guests or Airi had wedged her seat so she could eat her meal safely between her mothers was up for debate. But Mei and Yuzu were happy to see her calm down and even got in a word or two over Airi's constant questions.
"Are you guys gonna go on any more trips," asked Airi after they'd cleaned up and finished dessert.
"Eventually," said Mitsuko with a yawn.
She and Airi were still feeling each other out, but it was clear that some of the tension between them had dissipated.
"But right now, Kayo-san and I have to spend time here with other clients, figure out our next move, and check in with other people we work with, so it won't be for a long time."
"If you do leave again," said Airi while her moms helped their friends gather their belongings, "are you gonna go to a place called San...San Frisco?"
"San Francisco?" After remembering she had a few clients there, Mitsuko stopped and nodded.
Mei and Yuzu stopped when they heard the city's name and looked at Airi, who nodded.
"Yeah, there. Are you gonna go there?"
"We might," said Kayo giving Airi a curious look. "It depends on our business. Why?"
"Because my daddy lives there," said Airi bluntly. "He travels for work a lot, but he said that's where his home is, and if you go there, I was wondering if you could take him a present for me? I have his address, and we send letters and presents to each other, so could you do that for me if I have one when you go?"
"I don't think your dad would appreciate that, Airi," explained Yuzu softly, trying to avoid getting Kayo and Mitsuko wrapped up in a promise they might be unable to keep. "And I don't think Kayo-san and Mitsuko-san would feel comfortable doing that either."
"But if they said they knew you, he'd let them," said Airi, thinking that would solve their problem. "And Daddy said he likes my letters, so why can't they give it to him? I bet he'd like it."
"You don't know that," said Mei, crouching beside Airi while Kayo and Mitsuko did their best to avoid involvement.
"You don't know that," whined Airi, still not understanding. " If it's from me, I bet he'd like it, so how come if they're your friends, they can't give it to him if they go there?"
"Because it's the postal worker's job to deliver the mail," said Mei trying not to get frustrated. "Postal workers are people trained to do that work; that's why they can go to people's houses to give them things, even though they're strangers."
"Not only that, it's because they don't know your dad," added Yuzu. "Remember how you reacted when they first came into the house? Not only that but doing things like that can be dangerous. Do you want your dad, Mitsuko-san, and Kayo-san to feel the same way or to get hurt?"
"No," sighed Airi, rubbing her foot into the floor, "I don't."
"Then how about instead of asking them, we continue what we've been doing, and if we," Yuzu pointed to herself, then Mei, then at Airi, "go there to visit your dad or your dad comes here, then we can take him the presents ourselves. Does that work?"
Lifting her gaze to Yuzu, Airi sighed and nodded sadly, "Yes, Mama."
"I promise we'll find a way to do it one day," said Yuzu, trying to sound encouraging. "But right now, we need to be patient and talk about these things and not try to force them on other people. All right?"
Airi nodded and opened her mouth to say something, but all that came out was a loud yawn, making her mothers smirk.
"Thank you for understanding," said Mei before motioning toward Mitsuko and Kayo, "Now say good night and get ready for bed. Mama and I will be up shortly to do your hair and read your story."
Nodding, Airi politely bowed and said, "Good night, and thank you for coming to visit."
Mitsuko and Kayo did the same, and wasting little time, Airi turned and headed up the stairs, not paying attention to what the adults were discussing.
Instead, she focused on getting through her nightly bedtime routine, and once that was out of the way, she got dressed for bed and ran to the bookshelf she kept her manga on and began shuffling some of them around.
Airi could still hear the adults talking as she searched and figured she had a few minutes to read before her moms came up.
"Where is it," she said to herself before giving out a small cheer when she saw the manga cover she was looking for.
Finally, behind an old dogeared copy of an old video game manga Udagawa had given her, Airi saw a manga cover showing women holding hands and smiling at each other.
Grabbing it, she rested the book on her legs, flipped it open, and attempted to decipher it.
While she could read, the symbols used were ones Airi hadn't come across yet in any of her books or manga, so she had difficulty figuring out the story even with the notes provided.
But that didn't stop her from trying.
With some effort, Airi managed to though; the two women worked at an office building and, from the expressions on their faces, liked each other because they had similar reactions she'd seen her moms had with each other when they thought nobody was looking.
But that's all she could figure out from it, and while she'd figured out their names and some of the words, Airi settled for occasionally flipping through the book and reading what she could while enjoying the pictures, which was the best part of Airi's opinion.
The pictures were much more detailed in this manga than the ones in the manga and books her moms let her read. If anyone were to ask Airi what her favorite image was, she'd say it was the one the artist had colored in at the start of the book, where the two women were lying under the covers, cuddling, dozing off, and smiling.
It reminded her more of her moms than the others because Airi could remember countless times when she'd found them curled up on the couch together or on the bed having an afternoon nap when they said they'd be working.
But that was where Airi got confused with the story because there were times when the women would be kissing, which Airi wouldn't have minded, but she got grossed out when it cut to a close-up of their tongues along with words and symbols she couldn't understand. That image was followed by one on the next page that showed them in bed cuddling, but instead of wearing any clothes, they were naked.
"That's weird," sighed Airi, shutting the book, rubbing her head, and trying to figure out what happened between the kiss and the two women ending up in bed.
"What's weird," asked Mei, appearing at the door with the newest book she and Yuzu would be reading to Airi.
"This," answered Airi getting up from her spot on the ground and pointing at the picture of the two women kissing, followed by them in bed.
"Why are they using their tongues? And how come they're naked?"
There was a dull thud as the book Mei had been carrying fell to the floor in her desperate attempt to take the book from her daughter, causing the girl to take a step fearful step back.
"Airi," began Mei as she scanned the manga to confirm
its contents. "Airi, where did you get something like this?"
"Ar...are you gonna yell at me," asked the girl, stepping toward her bed.
"No," said Mei closing the book and sighing in relief that the book contained very little content of the kind Airi had shown her though she was worried that Airi had seen the last several scenes toward the end of the volume. "I am not going to yell at you, but I need to know where you go this so I can talk to your Mama about it."
"Talk to me about what?"
Yuzu appeared in the doorway carrying one of the bonnets Sho had given them, along with a comb and other supplies to prepare Airi's hair for sleep.
"This," said Mei extending the manga to Yuzu.
"Where'd you get that?" inquired Yuzu, with a knowing grin, setting down the hair products and taking the manga. "I didn't know we had anything like this in the house. What were you doing with this, Mei? Don't tell me you wanted to read this to Airi."
"You know damn well I wouldn't read anything like that," retorted Mei, her face burning with embarrassment while Airi watched on in concern.
"Sure you wouldn't," chuckled Yuzu as she flipped through the book and pointed at a scene toward the back of the book that Mei had seen. "Whoa, that's a little more graphic than I thought. What are you doing with this anyway?"
"Airi was reading it," explained Mei, trying to hold back her frustration. "She was asking me about some of the activities the women in the book were engaging in."
"What things?" Yuzu's eyes were wide with worry as she alternated her gaze between her wife and daughter. "Airi, how far into the book did you get?"
"Ten pages," whispered Airi, shrugging. "It's hard to read, so I didn't see much. Just the ladies kissing and cuddling."
"Okay," said Yuzu trying to figure out what pictures Airi had seen.
Finding it hard to remember, Yuzu opened the book and sighed when she learned Airi hadn't seen anything more graphic than some heavy kissing and mild nudity.
"Okay," repeated Yuzu sounding relieved. "It's not ideal that she saw some of this, but it could be worse."
"On that, we agree," nodded Mei while Airi shifted her attention from her mothers to her closet, where her reading corner was hidden.
"Am I in trouble," asked Airi, preparing to run for her hiding spot.
Mei and Yuzu looked at each other, and after a couple of looks and gestures, they shook their heads before Yuzu said, "You aren't in trouble, Sweetie, but we're not going to have story time tonight."
"How come?" Airi's face shifted from apprehension to disappointment. "You said I wasn't in trouble, so why can't we have story time?"
"Because," began Mei, walking to the bed and, after a brief struggle, got Airi on the bed and gently held her there, "because Mama and I need to know where you got that book and talk to you about what you saw. But I promise we will have extra story time tomorrow; we'll do it early so you get plenty of rest for your field trip. How does that sound?"
"You guys promise I'm not in trouble, and I get extra story time tomorrow," inquired Airi as Yuzu sat down behind her and began working on her hair, surrendering that she couldn't run, no matter how much she wanted.
"We promise," said Yuzu and Mei together.
"But now," started Yuzu, rubbing in the product, "you need to tell us where you found that manga. Was it from your brother or a kid at school?"
"No," grumbled Airi allowing Yuzu to work on her hair while Mei sat in front of her, watching for any shift in her demeanor or speech. "Hideki didn't give it to me, and I don't have many friends at school. But Kyoko-chan said she wanted to read manga when I stayed at her house."
"Who's Kyoko," asked Yuzu, not stopping her work. "Is she a kid from school?"
"Yeah," answered Airi quietly. "She's in some classes with me, and so is Momiji-chan."
"Older or younger," asked Yuzu, worried about where this was going.
"Ummm, Kyoko is older, and Momiji is in my year," explained Airi, trying to figure out if she should tell her moms about Kyoko wanting to read some grown-up manga. "But we have classes together, and they said they wanted to be friends, so they invited me to their sleepover. They wanted to invite Honoka too, but she's on trips with Auntie, so it's just me."
"They're the ones that touched her hair," explained Mei, seeing Yuzu's face darken at the mention, but Mei reached out and took Airi's hand when she saw their daughter's face screw up when she tried to forget what she'd done.
"Did you meet them," asked Yuzu, her hands slowing down as she talked.
"I did," said Mei, smiling at Airi and tickling her cheek. "I watched them, and Airi apologized, and I think they're good girls. They didn't know what happened to Airi, and they all apologized and made plans, but only if you and I say it's okay."
"I'm not against it," said Yuzu, still on guard about letting Airi stay at someone else's house where the possibility of a similar incident happening again. "But I want to talk with the girl's parents."
"Hagihara-san promised to tell their parents what would happen, and I gave him permission to give them our phone numbers to sort this out."
"Am I allowed to go, Mama," asked Airi as Yuzu slipped a wine-red bonnet onto her head. "I really wanna go."
"I'm not against you going." Yuzu ignored the pain in her back as she lifted Airi into her lap. "But we need to talk to their parents first; once that happens, and if Mommy and I agree, you can go. Or, if we need more time, we can have them over here first and then make the decision. How's that sound?"
"That's fine, I guess," sighed Airi as she cuddled into Yuzu. "But I like them; they're not mean to me, and they don't know the manga I have, and I said I'd bring my Anpanman and some other stuff, so can I?"
"Only a few volumes if you go," said Mei, smirking as Yuzu rolled her eyes at Airi's presumption. "Speaking of which, are you sure you didn't get the manga you showed me from school? You didn't accidentally pick it up off the ground or anything?"
"I didn't," answered Airi sounding nervous. "No one gave it to me; I found it."
"Where did you find it," asked Yuzu, trying to hug Airi reassuringly. "We're not mad, we just want to make sure you're safe, and you understand what you saw."
"I..." Airi chewed on her lower lip for a minute and looked at Mei, who was remaining calm, but showing her concern, and then at Yuzu, who gave her a similar look but added a small smile.
Remembering what Fukui had told her to do when feeling nervous or anxious, Airi took several long breaths, counting down from ten, happy that her moms didn't pressure her into answering.
Finally, Airi felt calm enough to say, "I found it in your office."
"In whose office," asked Mei, her eyebrow arching. "My office when you came to school with me last weekend or at home?"
"At home," said Airi pointing at the door. "It was between some of the books on the shelf. You and Mama keep all your workbooks and stuff."
"When did you find it?" Yuzu shifted her gaze from Mei to Airi, avoiding the accusatory glare her wife gave her but still feeling her penetrating gaze.
"A couple of days ago," said Airi, shrugging again. "I took it because the cover reminded me of you guys, and the picture in the front had them cuddling like you do when you nap. But I couldn't figure out what it said, so I didn't read much. Also, I didn't like it when I saw them kissing and they used their tongues. Why did they do that? Do you do that?"
"What Mommy and I do," began Yuzu, her ears and cheeks turning red at her daughter's inquiry while she tried to hide her laughter, "isn't the point of this conversation, young lady. The point is to learn what you saw and what questions you have. Did you see anything other than them kissing?"
"I saw them naked," explained Airi, shrugging. "But they were just talking and not doing anything. That part was weird, too, because they didn't take a bath or anything. Why were they naked?"
"Because sometimes adults do that," explained Mei, knowing she and Yuzu weren't going to be able to hide everything.
"But why," asked Airi, growing frustrated.
"It depends," said Yuzu, rubbing her daughter's back. "Sometimes it's too hot to sleep, and the ac is broken, and sometimes they do it because it feels nice. Some people do it alone because they don't have to worry about anybody seeing them."
"Can I..."
"No," said Mei and Yuzu cutting Airi off.
"No, you cannot," explained Mei causing Airi to shrink a little and Mei to apologize. "We're not trying to be mean, Airi, but something like that is off the table right now. When you own your own house, live alone, and are an adult, you can do what you like. But right now, unless you're in the bath or getting dressed, we wear clothes in this house."
"But what about you and Mama," asked Airi, pouting. "You said adults do that stuff, and you guys and Hideki are adults."
"First off," started Yuzu, tapping her daughter's nose, "Mommy and I are married, and yes, there are times we do that, but again that's because we love and trust each other, and we eventually get dressed. Have you ever seen Mommy and I run naked anywhere besides the bath?"
"No," said Airi, admitting defeat. "So I'm only allowed to do that if I'm married?"
"Or if you're an adult and trust and care about the person," explained Mei. "Being married isn't required, Airi, but trusting the person and you both being adults is. Does that make sense?"
"Kinda." Airi's face screwed itself up in confusion, but she nodded while still asking, "But why would you sleep naked with someone?"
"Well," said Yuzu as she mentally fortified herself for the coming conversation, "people don't always sleep when they're naked, nor is it because they're bathing."
"Then how come people do it," asked Airi, giggling at the thought of their being another reason.
"Because," started Mei trying to figure out how the words to describe it, "because when the people involved love and care for each other in the way Mama and I do or your uncle and Auntie Rena do, a lot of the time they'll choose to do that together. But some people don't ever want to do that with anyone, and some prefer if the clothes stay on. But one reason is that that's a common way babies are made."
"It is," exclaimed Airi, her eyes growing wide.
"In most cases," said Mei, smiling. "It's how your cousins, your Mama, and I were born too."
"But...what about me?" Airi's brow furrowed in confusion. "You said you went to a doctor, and that's how you guys met my daddy and..."
"That's why mommy said it's a common way," repeated Yuzu tapping Airi's nose. "It's not the only way. But you're right in that Mommy and I went to a doctor where we talked about our options, we met your dad, and then the doctor took what..."
Yuzu trailed off as she grew flustered, trying to figure out how to explain the next part to the girl.
"Took what?" Airi looked at Yuzu and then at Mei. "Mommy, what'd they take."
"Well," said Mei, getting almost as flustered as Yuzu, "you've taken baths with your cousins, right?"
"Yep," Airi said, nodding. "But only with Hina now; we don't take baths with Reo anymore. He says he's too big."
"That's probably true," agreed Mei, and Yuzu nodded. "But when you took baths with Reo, did you see how he has...parts between his legs that are different than yours?"
"Yeah," said Airi, shrugging. "I've seen other boys too when grandma and I went to the bathhouse when the water didn't work at her and grandpa's house. She said it's called a penis, but what's that gotta do with babies?"
"Because," said Yuzu trying to stifle her laughter, "most boys have penises, and some girls have them, just like most women have vaginas, and some men have vaginas, like you, me, and Mommy."
"Oh yeah, like Daichi-kun," said Airi remembering one of the restaurant workers who'd answered Airi's questions about why he got upset when someone had called him a name he didn't like when she saw him on the street one day while out with her moms.
It was tough for him to talk about. But after getting Mei and Yuzu's permission, Daichi did his best to explain it to Airi, and she'd taken it all in stride the way children do.
"That's right," explained Mei, nodding, not wanting to elaborate. "And most of the time, adults join those body parts, and a liquid comes out of the penis, and then the other person has an egg inside them, and they combine, and that's how a baby starts to grow."
"What kind of egg?" Airi's face was back to one of pained concentration. "Like a chicken egg? And what kind of liquid?
"No," laughed Yuzu while Mei hid her smile behind her hand as she chuckled. "No, not a chicken egg, but it's a similar idea. Although the eggs we come from are too small to see. And the liquid is, well, it's like a fertilizer, like what we put on the flowers sometimes."
"Okay." Airi still looked confused. "Why does an egg need fertilizer if it's not a plant?"
"Because," said Yuzu, as she held Airi tight, "the fertilizer helps the egg turn into a baby, which is how you and your brother got here. But as you said earlier, Mommy and I went to a doctor to have you while for Hideki, she and your uncle..."
"They cuddled," said Airi with a nod though she did notice a sad expression on her mother's face. "Sorry, Mommy, did I say something bad again?"
"You didn't," said Mei caressing her daughter's cheek and smiling. "But it's complicated, and sometimes it makes me sad; that's all. You didn't do anything wrong. But you are right in guessing that that's what Uncle and I did, and that shows just how smart you are."
"Does it make you sad 'cause you didn't like Uncle," asked Airi, holding onto her mom's hand. "You guys said that if I don't like or love someone, I don't have to do that stuff, and I don't have to. So, how come you and Uncle did that stuff?"
"That's where it gets complicated," said Mei with a sigh while Yuzu joined Airi in joining hands. " But that's a topic for when you're older. For now, Mama and I want you to know that if anyone, no matter who they are, tries to make you do something like that, you can say 'no,' and you need to tell us, okay? I don't care what they say to you; you run away and tell an adult or someone you can trust, promise?"
"I promise, Mommy." Airi nodded and pointed at her hair. "It's like what I do if someone tries to touch my hair. Right?"
"Right," answered Yuzu with a sigh, glad Airi understood what they were telling her. "But Mommy and I want you to know that those things aren't bad to do, just that you're way too young to be doing them or reading manga with that kind of stuff in it. If you don't know what's in the book, bring it to me and Mommy, understood?"
"Yup." Airi squeezed her moms' hands before loudly yawning and rubbing her eyes. "I'm sleepy."
"It is getting late," said Mei sighing, the warmth in her voice already returning. "Let's get you to bed. The next few days will be busy, and you need all the rest you can get."
"'kay," grumbled Airi as she crawled toward her pillows and grabbed her owl. "I'm sorry I took the manga."
"As long as you understood what you did, that's all that matters," said Mei kissing Airi's forehead. "I'm sorry we had such a strange talk tonight, but I promise you'll get your story time tomorrow. I found a new book I think you'll be excited about."
"What is it?" Airi's energy returned when she heard Mei mention the new book, only to disappear instantly, causing her to fall back into the pillows so Yuzu could fix her covers.
"It's a book," began Mei as she held Airi's hand and began massaging it to try and calm her down, "about a girl who lives on a farm and raises a little piglet who becomes friends with a spider and all the adventures they get up to on the farm."
"That sounds fun," giggled Airi before yawning.
"I've heard it is," said Mei smiling. "But I heard it can get a little sad. Would you be okay with that, or would you want me to skip it when we arrive?"
"I dunno." Airi shrugged, and she rubbed her eyes again. "Can I tell you when you get there?"
"Of course," said Yuzu, kissing Airi's forehead. "But you get some sleep now, Sweetie, and if you have questions about what we discussed, you can always ask Mommy and me, okay? But don't tell your friends all this; we don't want their parents yelling at us."
"'Kay."
Airi nodded and pulled her owl close before whispering, "G'night."
Mei and Yuzu left without saying a word, and when they reached the hall, Yuzu pulled the manga out of her waistband and said, "I honestly don't know how this got into the house. I thought I got rid of everything, but..."
"It's okay," said Mei, smirking, taking Yuzu's hand and leading them into their room. "I know you take keeping things like that from the kids seriously, but I'm fine if you want to keep it. I know how much you used to like them."
"I think I'll see if Nene wants it," said Yuzu as she stuffed it under some shirts in one of her drawers, shutting the door, and sat in the old armchair they used for reading, her mind drifting back to their talk with Airi. "She could use it for inspiration or something."
"That's fine with me," said Mei, her tone approving and appreciative as she got dressed for bed, stopping when she noticed Yuzu staring at her from her seat. "What?"
"Hm," asked Yuzu blinking rapidly, not registering what she had been doing. "What? Did I do something?"
"You were staring," explained Mei as she slipped a long shirt over her bare chest and removed her pants before walking over and joining Yuzu on the chair, straddling her wife as she stroked Yuzu's long hair. "Is something on your mind, or were you looking at me."
"I was thinking," answered Yuzu resting her head on Mei's chest, hoping Mei wouldn't be mad that she hadn't been enjoying the show.
"About this evening," said Mei, knowing that was possibly the only thing that could distract Yuzu enough not to muster the strength to get up and touch her.
"Yeah," said Yuzu wrapping her arms around Mei's waist and sighing. "It was a lot, and I'm worried we might have told her too much on top of the stuff with her friends, and I'm worried about you."
"I think we handled it well," said Mei, holding Yuzu's head close as she kissed the top of her wife's head. "We gave her enough information to understand without getting graphic. It's no less than what Hideki and Reo were told, so she'll be fine. She's strong like you, so don't worry too much, remember, you can rely on me to help carry some of the burden."
"I know." Yuzu looked up and softly kissed Mei's lips and smiled. "You were amazing tonight with how you handled her. She's a lucky kid to have a mom like you. But are you sure you're okay? She asked you a pretty serious question."
"I feel the same way about you," said Mei before returning the kiss and sighing when she felt Yuzu pull her close and tug at the shirt, making her laugh."Now you know why I chose this shirt."
"You do like to make things difficult sometimes," sighed Yuzu giving up and settling for running her hands up and down Mei's back while Mei slid her hands down the collar of Yuzu's shirt. "How are you holding up? She asked you some tough questions. Do you want to talk about it?"
"We can talk tomorrow after your session," said Mei kissing Yuzu's lips and then tugging at a lock of Yuzu's hair, sighing that Yuzu had allowed her hair to almost completely turn back to its original color. "And I want you to know you have my full permission to discuss everything tonight, particularly the things including me. I don't want this weighing on your mind, so don't stress over what you can and can't talk about."
Yuzu nodded and leaned up, placing her lips to Mei's neck, causing the woman to whimper and tug on the tiny bit of hair she held. Mei wondered if this would hurt Yuzu, but she didn't have enough time to think about that as the thought was soon replaced by the familiar sensation of Yuzu's teeth digging a little into her skin.
Mei felt warmth spread through her body, and she asked, "Yuzu, what are you doing?"
"Trying to feel better," panted Yuzu as she managed to lift Mei's hips with little effort and, after adjusting the shirt, pushed her hands up Mei's back and caressed the soft skin underneath as she continued kissing Mei's neck, collarbone, and the necklace. "Is this okay? I'll stop if you want me to; you know I will."
"Not at the moment," panted Mei when she felt one of Yuzu's hands move from her back to her stomach while biting back a moan from the attention Yuzu was giving her neck and the spot just below her ear.
"You're sensitive tonight," chuckled Yuzu before gently running her teeth along Mei's ear lobe.
"That's because you're playing dirty," countered Mei when she felt Yuzu's hand grope her breast, causing her legs to give a little causing her groin to come into contact with Yuzu's thigh.
Yuzu bit back a hiss when she felt Mei's nails dig into her back; her mind focused on the tiny bit of dampness and heat radiating from between Mei's thighs.
Shifting her fingers, Yuzu began rolling Mei's nipple between her middle and ring finger while she caressed Mei's breast as her free hand pushed Mei's hips down onto her thigh.
"Yuzu," panted Mei as her hips started grinding against Yuzu's thigh.
"If you want to, you can," whispered Yuzu, pressing her thigh up as she continued kissing Mei's neck while her hands massaged Mei's breast and inner thigh before capturing Mei's mouth in hers, gently sucking on her wife's tongue.
Mei's mind was a haze as months of frustration poured out of her.
Her underwear was damp, and the surge she felt shoot through her body each time her hips moved against Yuzu's leg was something she hadn't achieved on her own. No matter how she used her fingers, what toys she used, and what fantasies Mei could conjure, none of it could compare to Yuzu's effect on her.
Mei longed for that feeling.
After months of waiting, Mei's body ached for it. She ached for Yuzu's touch and how her skin felt against hers. And how Yuzu's voice sent shivers down her spine as her fingers found their way to spots on Mei's body that only she knew about. Not only that but the way Yuzu could break her barriers down with a single word and forget her inhibitions, if only for a short time
Mei wanted to feel that again, needed to feel it, and every part of her was ready for it, every aspect except one, and unfortunately, that part eventually won out.
Feeling the sweat rolling down the back of her neck and the soft pressure Yuzu was applying to her leg, Mei's mind brought her back to reality; the bliss she'd been feeling went from a roar in her chest to a soft, gentle purr in the back of her mind.
"It's okay," said Yuzu, seeing the embarrassment on Mei's face as she moved her hands around Mei's back and pulled her close. "It's okay, Mei; I pushed you too far. I'm..."
"Don't say it," whispered Mei, burying her face in Yuzu's neck, kissing it as she held her wife close. "Believe me; you didn't force anything. I want to, Yuzu, I do, and I am ready. I just...after tonight..."
"I gotcha," chuckled Yuzu, cradling her and kissing her temple. "But did it help? Do you feel a little better?"
"Much," laughed Mei, feeling a warm surge of love for her wife. "I do feel so much better, Yuzu, and you helped me realize that I'm ready to do those things again with you. But not tonight."
"Can I ask when?" inquired Yuzu softly. "You know I'm okay if you need time, and if I said something stu..."
"This weekend," answered Mei after kissing her wife, silencing the oncoming self-depreciation. "This weekend, if that's okay. The house will be empty then, and we can take our time getting reacquainted."
"You make it sound like we're dating again."
They laughed at this, and Mei shrugged, saying, "It feels like we are a little, and now that you mentioned it, would you like to go on a date with me?"
"You know I do." Yuzu's face lit up at the thought of her and Mei spending a whole evening alone. "What do you want to do? Movie? Dinner? Arcade?"
"How about," said Mei as she shakily climbed to her feet and took Yuzu's hand, "we get cleaned up first and then figure it out from there."
Yuzu wasted no time in agreeing to Mei's request. After a not-so-short shower, they returned to the room, and after getting dressed, Mei headed to her bedside table and removed the custom-made leather notebook Yuzu had given her at Christmas. She pulled the twisted, ebony wood pen while leaving a similar looking red one in its place.
While Yuzu sat against the pillows, eagerly awaiting them to start planning, Mei twisted the point out and tested it.
Once she deemed it fit for use, Mei moved in close to Yuzu, and once her wife's arm was wrapped around her, Mei pressed the pen to the paper and asked, "So, what do you think we should do first?"