"Mom?" Kokonoe's voice was a mixture of disbelief and annoyance. "What are you doing here?"

Nine smiled, a warm, radiant smile that seemed to light up the room. "Kokonoe, my dear. It's been so long."

Before Kokonoe could respond, another figure entered the lab. Jubei, the legendary beastkin warrior and her father, strode in with a calm, steady gait. His one visible eye softened as he saw Nine.

"Well, ain't this a surprise," Jubei said, his voice carrying a note of wonder. "Nine, you're back."

Nine turned to him, her smile growing even wider. "Jubei, my love. It's so good to see you."

Kokonoe rolled her eyes, feeling a familiar pang of embarrassment. "Great, just what I needed. A family reunion in the middle of my work."

Ignoring her daughter's irritation, Nine stepped closer to Jubei. "I've missed you so much," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.

Jubei reached out, his hand gently caressing Nine's cheek. "Missed ya too, Nine. More than you can imagine."

Kokonoe made a noise of exasperation. "Can you two save the lovey-dovey stuff for later? Some of us have important work to do."

Nine turned to Kokonoe, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and affection. "Oh, Kokonoe, you work too hard. You need to take a break sometimes."

Kokonoe crossed her arms, her tail flicking with irritation. "I don't have time for breaks, especially not for mushy family moments."

Jubei chuckled, his eye crinkling with laughter. "She's got a point, Nine. Our girl's always been the serious type."

Nine laughed, a light, musical sound that filled the lab. "I suppose you're right. But still, it's wonderful to be here with both of you."

Kokonoe sighed, shaking her head. "If you're going to be here, at least try not to get in the way."

Nine moved closer to Kokonoe, her expression softening. "Kokonoe, my sweet daughter. I just want to spend some time with you. We've missed so much."

Kokonoe's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her ears twitching. "Mom, please. I'm not a kid anymore. You don't have to coddle me."

Nine reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Kokonoe's face. "I know you're grown up, but you'll always be my little girl."

Jubei watched the exchange with a gentle smile. "She's right, y'know. No matter how old ya get, you'll always be our daughter."

Kokonoe huffed, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Yeah, yeah. Just... don't get too sentimental on me."

Nine's smile softened even further. "Alright, I'll try to restrain myself. But it's hard not to when I'm so proud of you."

Kokonoe's irritation melted away, replaced by a begrudging warmth. "Thanks, Mom. Just... try to keep it down a notch."

Jubei placed a hand on Kokonoe's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "We're just glad to be together again, even if it's just for a moment."

Kokonoe nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Yeah, me too."