Kanna sighed as Papa's shoulders slumped again, a frown forming between his eyebrows as he ended the phone call. She'd grown accustomed to reading his facial expressions, though she didn't understand why he put up with so many people who made him mad.
She wished she could remember what he was like when her parents were still around. She'd long since started referring to Sesshoumaru as her father; it was just easier that way, for both of them. It wasn't hard to convince others they were father and daughter; they both had pale blonde hair, liked to keep their clothes clean, and didn't express themselves openly. But it had been years since she'd seen him smile—really smile.
Mama and Daddy had gone on a mini vacation, opting to fly instead of take the train. They'd wanted to take Kanna with them, but school had started, and they couldn't afford to go during peak times. Uncle Sesshoumaru had offered to look after her, telling Mama to enjoy herself and to bring Kanna back a new sibling. Kanna had asked which stores babies came from and if she could choose the type herself, causing her mother to turn as red as her eyes.
They'd all laughed, leaving Kanna to think she'd missed out on a good joke. Mama had patted her head, telling her even she didn't get to pick what kind of sibling she'd get, but they'd work on getting her one soon. Uncle had held her close at the airport, both waving until they couldn't see the plane anymore.
It wasn't until the next day that Uncle received the first phone call that made him sad, body tensing as the person on the other end informed him Mama and Daddy's flight hadn't landed properly. They were both sad for a long time, sleeping in the same bed until she stopped crying at night.
Uncle had never cried, but Kanna had held onto his neck as she reminded him that he still had someone who loved him. He'd been against her calling her Papa, but Kanna had merely shrugged, telling her that Mama and Daddy had loved her most, and Uncle loved her second, so why shouldn't she call him that?
Daddy was Daddy. Papa was Papa. She knew the difference.
Papa had hugged her after that, but he was still frowning. He claimed it was a happy frown, but Kanna was sure he was lying. Who frowned when they were happy?