Persona BLEACHED 3: Chapter 16

Chapter 16: So Love, So Yin
November 3, 2029
"Hmmhmm, hmmhmmhmmhmmm..." Kat hummed as she opened her mailbox, and pulled out a small brown box. She quickly tore it open, and pulled out a note pressed between the wrapping and the contents.
"So-yin, remember to save this for 11/11. A little piece of home. PS I had to hide this from your father. Enjoy. Love, Mom."
"Oh, boy oh boy." Kat hummed more to herself.
"Someone's unusually chipper this morning." Sakuya appeared.
"Morning, Mags. Just got a gift from home. Check it." Kat pulled out a small white box, bearing an image of two thin white sticks with black spots on them. The top of the box bore the brand name "Pepero". "Cookies and cream flavor" was written on the bottom.
"Oh, a Korean confection, I'm assuming? It looks strikingly similar to--"
"To Pocky sticks, right? Yeah, you're not the first one to think so. Heck, I think the folks behind Pocky even tried suing a few times cuz they're so similar. Speaking off of that, next Sunday's Pocky Day here, but back home we've got Pepero Day. So Mama sent some my way. And now I get to stare at the box for the next eight days cuz she sent them early. And she just had to make it my favorite flavor, just to up the torment levels. I'll have to call her up later. Anywho, where you off to? Not working today?"
"No, I took the day off. It's actually a very important day today. My mother is moving into her new apartment in Ikebukuro, and me and Sahir-kun are helping her unpack."
"Aw, that's awesome. You must be over the moon that she's finally clo--hold up. Sahir-'kun'? Oooh, finally gotten close enough to drop a little of the formality, have we?"
"...maybe." Sakuya averted her eyes.
"D'awwww, you're so adorable, Mags." Kat patted Sakuya on the head.
"So, anyway..." Sakuya swiped Kat's hand away. "What are your plans for today, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Oh, I, uh...I have a date. Like an actual date date. Me and Care are gonna go to the park in Karakura for...a time. Together. Y'know."
"I...think I do."
"Ugh, sorry about the nerves. It's just...it's been a week since the dance, and before we could really talk about it, the mess with Leon happened. This is the first day we're gonna have to ourselves with us being...you know. I'm still processing it. How does a girl that glamorous fall for me? And how am I gonna keep her happy?"
"It should help that Carrie-san is fairly humble. My advice, worry less about what comes from your wallet, and focus more on what comes from in here." Sakuya pointed to Kat's heart.
"...wow, I keep forgetting that you're a drama girl, too. Between you and Barbie, it's no wonder I've become a softy."
"As if you weren't that way to begin with. We just got it out of you. I really must be going, though. Enjoy your date."
"Thanks, tell your ma I said hi." Sakuya departed. "Aaaand now my gut's fluttering again. Great."
Over in the boys' dorm, Kibō was preparing to leave. "Another day of helping the parents, Kibō?" Kenneth asked.
"Sort of. Mom says she got something in the mail for me. After that, it's the movies with Barb. A certain feline-themed girl we know rather 'kindly' reminded me that I haven't had much one-on-one time with her since everyone got back. I'm overdue." Kibō replied.
"Careful, o brave knight. lest your fair maiden become dissatisfied."
"Thanks for the advice, William Shakespeare. So what are your plans for today? Another big project?"
"Quite. The school has given me a fairly important assignment. Though in all honesty it's more like a challenge. You are aware of the snow festival in Sapporo, yes?"
"Oh, yeah. The one that happens every February. I've never been, but I heard it brings in a lot of people."
"Indeed. The highlight being the snow and ice sculptures dotted around the city for the entire week of the festival. Which brings me to what the academy requested of me. They'll be participating in the festival this year. Can you guess who they recruited to sculpt an ice statue?"
"Oh...wow. That's a mighty ask."
"Even moreso once you take into consideration that I've never worked with ice before."
"It can't be that much different from stonework, can it?"
"It comes with its own delicate challenges. Ice is much more fragile, and it's vastly more difficult to paper over any mistakes. Not to mention having to work in the freezing cold and keep the sculpture from any warmth. And then, of course, there's the matter of transporting it all the way to northern Japan without any sort of damage." Kenneth shook his head. "Needless to say, the number of ways that things can go awry are numerous. And I have three months to figure it all out."
"At least you have that timeframe. Do you have any idea what you're going to sculpt?"
"..." Kenneth thought on it. "The theme of the festival is going to be 'Growth'. I have an idea, but it's a deeply personal one. I'm going to need someone's help, and I fear that they might not agree to it. I asked if they would come over to discuss it. I know it's going to be a tall ask, but if all goes to plan, it'll be a monument to something beautiful."
"If you put it that way, I'm sure they'll agree to it. Good luck, man, I've got to catch that train."
"Fare thee well, brave knight. Remind thy maiden of thy affections for her."
"Sure, sure." Kibō waved it off, and departed.
A short while later, there was a knock at the door. "Time to sell my idea." Kenneth opened the door.
"Heya, Kenny!" Natalia was at the door. "I hope you don't mind me bringing lunch over."
"It'd be a fool's decision to turn down your cooking. Please, have a seat."
"Okie-dokie." Natalia sat down at the table. "Ooh, got yourself an art project, huh? Needed my input on something? Or maybe a commission?"
"I am wanting your input on a project, yes. Keep in mind that you can say no, and I'll understand and bear no grudges. What I'm asking for is potentially emotionally charged. If you want nothing to do with that--"
"Kenny, you haven't even told me what you want, and you're making it sound scary. I have to hear it first before I run away screaming."
"Right. So, then...there's an annual snow festival that occurs during February in Sapporo, in northern Japan. Part of this festival is that elaborate statues made from ice and snow are displayed around the city for a week. It's an exceedingly popular event that draws countless tourists every year. And the academy has enlisted me to build a sculpture for the occasion."
"Kenny, that's so cool!" Natalia giggled. "No pun intended. So what are you gonna do for it?"
"That's what I wanted to ask you about. The subject for the event this year is 'growth'. After a brainstorming session, I kept coming back to one idea over and over." Kenneth paused. "You, Natalia. I wish to sculpt your growth as a person."
"Oh." Natalia uttered, more stunned than anything. "You...want to make a sculpture of me, and...put it out there for people to look at."
"I know how massive of a request this is. But what I've witnessed from you since we've met has been nothing short or miraculous. The girl who would stutter her words and shy away due to insecurities has given way to the warm and loving person I'm sitting next to right now. Speaking freely, it's helped me with emerging from my own shell. If someone so deep in despair could retake control of their life in such a way, then there could be hope for me yet. I want other people to see that."
"I...wow. Kenny, I...I don't know what to say."
"I realize that for someone with anxiety, putting yourself out there in front of so many people would be an extremely stressful task. If it is too much, then just tell me now, and I'll start over from scratch. I have three months to present a sculpture, so I'll have the time. Either way, I'll--"
"I want to do it."
"You do?"
"The old me would've been in tears over the idea, but now I just want people to know. If someone looks at it and realizes that things don't always have to be dark, then I'll be happy. If you can make that happen, Kenny, I'll be happy to help. And I want everyone else there to see it."
"That goes without saying. But I'm glad to have your approval. We're going to make something breathtaking, I promise you that. A testament to your beautiful growth."
"Don't make me blush, Kenny. Let's get some ideas going. And I'll get lunch going in a little while."
"A recipe for a pleasant day if there ever was one."
---
"Hello?" Kibō entered his parents' store in Akihabara, an electronics shop called 'Master Plan Computers'. His father was at the counter.
"There you are. Train running a little late today?" Kabu asked.
"Yeah. Yeah, a little late." Kibō cautiously looked around.
"What's with the scared sheep look?"
"You know why. She's hiding somewhere. Waiting to lunge out and crush my spine. I know it's coming." Kibō looked up. "Is she on the ceiling? Maybe under a trap door. Just tell her to come out and get it over with."
"Keebieeeee~." Kyoko emerged carrying a cardboard box.
"How come you're never this happy to see me?" Kabu questioned.
"I still wake up next to your farting butt every morning, don't I?"
"I do NOT fart. It's probably just your snoring."
"How could she hear herself snore?" Kibō questioned.
"Thank you, baby~." Kyoko stuck her tongue out at Kabu.
"And you wonder why she's so clingy..." Kabu muttered.
"So what do you have for me, Mom?" Kibō asked.
"A present from your Nana. She was looking through some of your Pappy's old mementos and she sent some my way. This right here..." Kyoko pulled an object out of the box. "...is for you."
"Oh, no way..." Kibō uttered. It was a black-and-yellow jacket bearing the stylized words "LIGHTNING GOD" on the back. "This is from when Oji-san was your trainer, right? Mom, there's no way, I couldn't..."
"Give it a whirl. Daddy would've wanted you to have it. You take after him a good bit. And Mama really wants a pic. 'It shouldn't be gathering dust in my closet or a museum or what have you'." Kyoko mimicked an older woman's voice.
"Lightning God Raigo is a heck of a guy to be compared to, son. Give it a try." Kabu said.
"Alright..." Kibō relented. He removed the jacket he already had on and put on his grandfather's. "Well?"
"Ohhhh...my eyes are gonna start leaking. You wear that with pride, you hear? That's a lucky jacket you've got. I never lost when Daddy was in my corner. My pals are gonna flip!" Kyoko said.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, right, the other part of why I asked you here. My old wrestling league's having a reunion shindig in Shinjuku in a couple weeks. I wanted to show my old mates how big my pride and joy's gotten. They haven't seen you since you were half your height!"
"I hear a few of the current big names are gonna be there, too. Some of them probably grew up watching tapes of your mom's matches. Sounds like a great place to mingle." Kabu added.
"They're gonna be honoring Daddy that night, and it'd mean a ton if you'd come with wearing his jacket. I know, I know, you want to keep a low profile, but I can't miss something this important. So just humor your mama this once, Keebie?"
"Alright, I'll come with. I know how much you've missed big events like that. And it's for Oji-san, so I can't object. Still don't know if I can really wear this, but..." Kibō replied.
"Thank you thank you thank you, baby! Hey, tell Barbie she can come along. Everyone'll go nuts when they see us walking in with an actual angel."
"I'll ask her next time I see--oh, that reminds me, I'm supposed to meet up with her at the movies in a little while. I've got to run."
"Don't let us keep you. We'll send you the details later. Tell Barbara we said hello." Kabu replied.
"I will. Tell Oba-san thank you for the jacket. I'll try my hardest to keep it in good condition. And if I can't, I know a good seamstress. See you." Kibō left.
"See ya, baby~!" Kyoko enthusiastically waved.
Kibō let out a sigh. "'Hey, Barb, I know you've been wanting to go to another kabuki night, but how about we hang with some retired wrestlers, instead?' Hope she doesn't mind being volunteered..."
---
"Oh dear, you really brought quite a bit from Glasgow, didn't you?" Sakuya questioned. The apartment she was in had boxes all around the place.
"Didn't think it was that much at first, but yeah, now that you mention it..." Lily replied.
"You never want to leave anything behind, right?" Sahir walked in carrying another box. "Should be the last of it. So...where do we start?"
"Let's start with your room, Mother. At the very least, if we don't get far today, you can wake up to a good sight." Sakuya replied.
"Spoken like a true maid. Let's dive in." Lily said.
"Point me to where to begin, milady." Sahir said.
"Sorry to make you do most of the lifting. Saku told me about your leg."
"Ah, it's pretty much healed by now. Wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me, would it? On that note, tell me which boxes have your, uh...private clothing. I'd like to avoid any awkwardness."
"I like this one, Saku. Most teenage boys wouldn't even say a word."
"I'd like to think I've calmed his wilder urges." Sakuya chimed.
"Anywho, let's see what's inside box numero uno...oh, boy." Sahir pulled out a blue football jersey, the logo bearing a red lion surrounded by the words "Rangers Football Club". "Rangers over Celtic, huh? How'd that come about?"
"Well, I read into the history, and Celtic has a pretty strong background with the Catholic Church, and let's just say me and anything involving the word 'god' don't see eye-to-eye." Lily replied.
"Yikes, sorry. I get that. Not judging you or anything. My uncle played a couple years for Rangers. Only had good things to say about the fans. Says their away support is nuts."
"600-plus global fanclubs can do that. Saku says you're an Arsenal guy."
"My uncle coaches their Under-15s, yeah. Trained with them for a bit until I tore up my leg. My old man's a Tottenham supporter, so you can guess how well they get along."
"Speaking of your father...he still has no idea about my secret." Sakuya added.
"Is he really that bad?" Lily asked.
Sahir went quiet. "It's an upbringing thing. Mama and my siblings are all okay with it, but my old man...it's a different story. My oldest brother came out and my dad kicked him out. He's living with my uncle in London. Not to mention how he reacted to finding out about Teach and Doc Rose. Doc messed with him pretty good, and Mama laid into him afterwards." He shook his head. "If he ever finds out I'm ready for the consequences. It's 2029 and the old-fashioned way of thinking doesn't work anymore. I'm gonna be my own man."
"Oh, Sahir-kun..." Sakuya rubbed his shoulders. "Why don't you step out for a minute? I'd like some time with Mother."
"Yeah, okay. Sorry for the downer moment. How about I get started on the kitchen?"
"You're okay. I'd appreciate that. Careful with the knives, though." Lily replied, and Sahir walked out.
"Would you believe he was a skirt-chaser when I first met him?" Sakuya asked. "His maturity has risen a great deal in the past year."
"Shoot, he's a keeper, alright. I can see he really likes you. Once you get past the dad thing, you should be golden." Lily answered.
"I certainly believe so. Now, Mother, you know I have to ask...are you alright?"
"....." Lily paused. "Not gonna lie, Saku. I never wanted to come back to Japan after what happened with your fa--with that man. I have nothing but bad memories. But...you're here. I'll tolerate anything so long as I can be around you. Whatever hang-ups I have, I'll make them work."
"I understand, and I love that you're doing this for me. I would've gladly stayed with you in Scotland, but my friends and my life are here. And I want you to be part of that. Now, another thing I need to know...will I find any cans or bottles in these boxes?"
"Oh, no way. I promise you, I'm off that wagon. I don't want you to find me passed out like that ever again. Just have to find other ways to deal with the pain. Like that blue lady, your professor's wife. You know, I've really never seen anyone like her before. Where's she from?"
"...Canada."
The conversation was halted by the sounds of something hitting the floor, and silverware clanging. "I didn't do it!" Sahir yelled out.
"Uh-oh. Go make sure he isn't a pin cushion." Lily urged.
"On it." Sakuya walked out.
---
Tsubakidai Park in Karakura Town. Amidst the trees, koi ponds and quaint wooden bridges, there lay a small golden plaque embedded into the grass, surrounded by flowers. There were two images of hornets on either side of the plaque, and in the middle was a set of words.
"In loving memory of Sumiko Sakaki. 2004-2024. 'For those who dare to be unique, know that you are loved.'"
On this day, a figure walked over to the plaque and took the aged flowers out of the small vase placed above the plaque, replacing them with a fresh bouquet. "There ya go. You're lucky you hooked up with a couple of flower ladies. Speaking of, sorry it's not them today. I told Prof I was gonna be here, and I'd take care of it for her. She looks more and more stressed every time I see her..." Kat mused.
"I wanted to pay my respects, too. Shizuka asks me all the time what it's like to have a big sister. Me and my big sis don't have what you'd call a normal relationship, but I know she cares about me. From what Prof tells me, I think you would've been a great big sis. Even if you would be old enough to be her mom. Even though you never got to meet her, you did save her, in a way. She only knew that the flower shop was a safe place to go to cuz you left behind a postcard of it. She's safe and happy now, way more than she ever would've been otherwise. You being friends with Prof and Doc is what saved her from falling through the cracks. I can't imagine life now without my princess, so...thanks. Plus, I respect a girl who loved Kamen Rider." she chuckled.
Kat received a message on her phone. "Welp, my date's here. Hope you enjoy the flowers."
She walked over to another section of the park. "Now where..." She looked around until she finally caught sight of what she was looking for.
Carrie was seated on a blanket, with a basket next to her. "Kitten~." she waved.
"Heya, Care Bear. Sorry, I had to take care of something for Prof first."
"No need for apologies. Good things are worth the wait. Come, come." Carrie patted the spot next to her. "Shoes off, of course."
"You sound like my mom. But if it's what the Queen demands..." Kat removed her boots, and sat down next to Carrie. "So, what's on the menu toda--"
Carrie leaned over and kissed a surprised Kat, who began turning red. "Wha...what was that for?"
Carrie chuckled. "It's still magic. Just making extra sure. Hm? Kitten, your glasses are fogging up. Let me fix that for you." She took Kat's glasses off, as the resident gamer became increasingly flustered. 
"Th-that really isn't necessary!"
Carrie took out a fancy-looking handkerchief and wiped the fog off of the glasses. "There you are." She placed the glasses back. "Now you can see how much I love you~."
"AAAAAH! Someone help me, I'm meeeeeltiiiiiing!" Kat thought.
"Now as for what we'll be having today, Natalia prepared some sandwiches for us. Made with baguettes and vegan ingredients. And then for dessert she baked up some croissants."
"Give it up for Chef Hoodsie." Kat regained her composure. "Alright, soooo...what do ya wanna talk about? Just for a tonesetter."
"Let's see...how about we get to know each other a little bit better? It's half the fun of any relationship."
"Wow...you really just said it. That's...what this is, huh. Sorry, it's still sinking in that it's an official thing now."
"I understand. So much has happened since that we're only just now getting to enjoy ourselves. Now how about I start...have you thought about what you'd like to do after we leave the Academy?"
"Hunh...honestly, up until recently I always thought streaming would be how I'd make my money. But now...I think I'd like to take after my mom and be a teacher."
"That would be wonderful! You certainly have the temperament for it."
"It'd have to be young kids, though. I don't know how Prof does it, but it takes a special personality to deal with teenagers. I'd just like to be that big sisterly type, like with Shizuka. I have a soft spit for kids that age. Though maybe influencing that many kids would be a bad move..."
"Now what would be so bad about that?"
"I know me, Care."
"So do I. And I think you having your own little flock would be precious. Is it because you'd like to emulate your mother?"
"It wouldn't be the worst choice. Mama's the one that keeps everything together. Between me, Pops living in his own little world, and Lin being Lin, she's got the temperance of a saint. On top of teaching her own class. She just has that thick skin to deal with it all. Even Prof could see it. She told me that out of all the folks she talked to during Family Weekend, Mama was the most...intimidating."
"I suppose a more experienced educator would be looking at a younger one with a more critical eye."
"Yep. So how about you, Care? What are your plans?"
"Well...I would like to make a business out of my jewelry crafting. Maybe even work with my aunt and her retail line."
"I think you'd do really good with that. Money probably wouldn't be an issue. I mean, you've gotta have enough to never even have to work."
"Mama always told me to never rest on what you have. Auntie is much the same. They came from a much more humble background, and always taught me to never allow wealth or possessions to hold back my potential as a person. 'Greed brings sloth'. It's why I don't mind sharing what I have with you all. When the ones I love are happy, then I'm happy."
"You have the biggest and kindest heart of anyone I know, Care. It makes me happy that I could have even a tiny part of it."
"Tiny?" Carrie giggled. She put her head on Kat's shoulder. "The piece of my heart that you have is anything but tiny, my love." She kissed her on the cheek. Carrie turned red, and gently laid her head on Kat's legs.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"Nothing at all." Carrie paused. "I simply never believed I could be this happy. Eight years ago, I lost everything I loved. Not even one year ago, I thought I would be leaving it all...leaving you all. For all intents, I shouldn't be here."
"Don't say that. You're here because you chose to be. You've lived through hell, and you're still sitting here talking to me. I wish that I had just 1% of your strength." She brushed Carrie's hair with her hand. "I know I'm the farthest thing from perfect, but I'm gonna do everything I can to make you happy. You deserve it after everything."
Carrie placed her hand on Kat's cheek. "And I'm going to do everything I can to make you happy. Because no matter how much you say otherwise, I believe you deserve it."
"Care...before I give in and kiss you for five minutes straight, you want to have our lunch?"
Carrie giggled. "Yes, of course. Passion can't come on an empty stomach."
---
"So I'm guessing from the waterworks at the end that you liked it." Kibō said, as he and Barbara exited the theater.
"Sorry, hehe...rom-coms are my weakness. Lovey-dovey things in general, really. One time in 7th grade I played Juliet in my school's 'Romeo and Juliet' production and I started crying close to the end when I knew what was coming. I actually argued with the teacher in charge that we should change the ending so it wasn't so sad." Barbara replied.
"Isn't it a tragedy, though? As in, supposed to be sad?"
"I'm a 'happily ever after' kind of girl, you know that. Tragedies hurt my heart too much. That's why I love rom-coms, they're sweet and silly with no ending heartbreak. Just the gal I am."
"Well I'm not gonna argue over wanting a story to end happy."
"So anyway, what'd you want to talk about? And where'd that neat jacket come from?"
"Right, so...this jacket was my grandfather's. 'Lightning God Raigo'. He was a pretty huge wrestler in his time, and he coached my mom for a while. My grandmother sent it to my mom to give to me. My mom's old league is having a reunion in a couple of weeks in Shinjuku, and they're going to have a tribute to my grandfather. Mom wants me to go, and she asked me to ask you if you'd come with."
"A wrestling gala, huh? Definitely not my usual crowd, but I don't see why not. Especially if I get to stroll in with a certain hunk around my arms~."
"I wouldn't go anywhere near that far. I promise I'll take you to a play before the year's done. So much of the good stuff is booked well in advance, and I don't want to owe a certain one-eyed entrepreneur too many favors. I'm really trying my hardest."
"It's alright, Keeb, I don't mind. As long as the guy I love's with me, then it's a good place to be in my book~."
"Even if it was an underground dungeon?"
"Any place within reason."
"Hey, how about y'all get a room?" Max walked over.
"What the--what are you doing here, Maxie? Are you following me?" Barbara asked.
"Don't go and assume the worst. 'Shin Ultraman' was showing and I wanted to give it a watch...okay, also I was really bored and lonely cuz everyone else paired up and was busy and I'm the odd man out again so I--"
"You could've just asked us, man." Kibō said.
"I ain't playing third wheel to my sister and her boyfriend. I might as well have asked Kat if I could tag along with her and Care. 'Oh yeah, Ma, today I hung out with my ex and her girlfriend. No, Ma, I'm not high right now, why do you ask?'"
"Maxie." Barbara stood with her arms crossed and an annoyed expression. 
"Okay, okay, I know that look, I'll just head on home. Alone. By myself with no one to talk to--"
Barbara's eyes flashed yellow. Max got the hint, and promptly walked away.
"Think that was a bit too harsh?" Kibō asked.
"If he wanted to come along, he should've asked first instead of weirdly stalking me. He's been doing this a lot lately. Everyone else'll have plans and he'll either sit in his room all day or follow me around. He's my brother, and I love him to death but I can't have him tailing me like a puppy."
"Maybe you should have a talk with him. Or I could, if you're not comfortable with it."
"You're sweet, Keeb. He might take it more seriously if someone other than me talks to him. Sorry to drag you into it."
"The least I can do after dropping this wrestling gala news on you. Speaking of which, let me send you the info." Kibō pulled out his phone. "Oh, by the way, everyone at the gala is invited to a match immediately after. Free of charge. Given how much tickets normally cost, it's an insane deal."
Barbara opened her email. "'An exhibition match featuring a hot new contender, 'Fireball' Ibuki Hinotama.'"
"Mom says she's a rising star. Her last couple of matches sold out in record time. She'll be at the gala, too, and from what I've read in interviews, she's a huge fan of my mom. I expect our table to be busy."
"Ms. Kyoko'll make sure of that. And free tickets to a sold-out event is never a bad thing. Maybe we'll even see your ma try to jump in the ring and make a comeback."
"Please don't tempt fate."
The pair began walking. "Record time, huh? Hmmm..." Barbara thought.
---
"Ah, ah, ah, that stings..." Sakuya was wrapping a bandage around a cut on Sahir's hand.
"Please be more careful. I don't want you suffering a season-ending injury while helping me. I appreciate your help, truly, but there's such a thing as being too enthusiastic." she replied.
"Sorry. Least I'm not the goalkeeper."
Lily walked in carrying some grocery bags. "Alright, kiddies, I've got us some grub...hey, what happened here?"
"I got a bit careless with the scissors. It's all good, though, really." Sahir replied.
"C'mon, don't kill yourself over helping me out. Are you gonna be good to keep going?"
"Pssh, I've come back from way worse. It's barely even a bruise."
"We should have the bulk of it done by tonight. Did you get everything you needed, Mother?" Sakuya asked.
"And then some. Bit of a weird encounter at the store. This bleach-blonde bloke in a green jacket was gawking at me. Had a little boy with him. Gave off a weird vibe and I asked him what his deal was. Said my face was familiar, and then that was that. Strangest nonsense." Lily replied.
"Bleach-blonde in a green--" Sakuya put a hand to her face as she realized. "Ohhhh, that Tsutsugo! I forgot he lives around here, too! Making my mother uncomfortable, the nerve of that man..." she thought.
"Come to think of it, he looked a bit familiar, himself. Was he at the family weekend shindig?"
"Yeah, uh...I think you might've ran into Coach Tsutsugo." Sahir replied.
"Ah, the baseball man, yeah? Didn't you say you knew him from before, Saku?"
"I'd...rather not go into my history with Ryōma Tsutsugo." Sakuya plainly replied.
"Well, then, let's get a meal going. You wanna help me out, Saku?"
"Yes, of course."
"Need any more hands?" Sahir asked.
"All due respect, I'd recommend you keep away from any silverware for the time being. Just take a breather for a few minutes. You've been working your tail off all day." Lily replied.
"Okay, ma'am."
Sahir remained on the couch, while Sakuya and Lily worked in the kitchen. "Saku, I want you to be honest with me. How do you know the baseball guy?" Lily whispered.
"Just...a chance encounter a year or so back. Nothing major." Sakuya replied.
"I know you're hiding something. You're always avoiding talking about what you were doing before we met back up. However bad it is, you can tell me."
"I'm sorry, Mother. It's too painful to talk about. I'm not even sure how I would explain it."
"I'll drop it if that's what you want. But if you ever figure out how to tell me, then it's okay. You're my precious baby, Saku. Nothing you could tell me would make me walk away from you when you need me. Never again. That okay with you?"
"Yes, of course, Mo...ther..." Sakuya suddenly became fatigued.
"Hey, what's the matter?"
"Sorry...side effects of my...of my medication. I just need to lay down..."
"Uh-oh, I know that look. Hang on, I've got you." Sahir got up and gently picked Sakuya up, laying her down on the couch.
"You gonna be okay? What do you usually do when this happens?" Lily asked.
"I'll be alright...just need some ice for my head...it usually goes away rather quickly." Sakuya replied.
"I got it." Lily grabbed some ice from the freezer. "Here. Need anything else?"
"No, this should be enough...sorry to make you worried."
"This is a regular thing for you, huh? Most of my withdrawal symptoms stopped after about a week. But this is just something you have to deal with."
"The price of...being able to look in the mirror and be happy with what I see. In a few minutes it'll be as if nothing happened..."
"I'm so sorry, Saku. Maybe we should call it a day. I can finish up the rest on my own."
"You sure? I can keep going." Sahir asked.
"You've done plenty. If you want to stick around for a bite, I'm more than happy to have you. I just don't want to stress out Saku."
"If it's okay with you, but I want to make sure she's alright before I go."
"It's fine, really. Just need to relax for a minute..." Sakuya replied.
After a few minutes, Sakuya sat up, taking a drink of water. "Nnnnh...Sorry for the scare. I'm alright now."
"Wish I could do more than just stand here and watch." Lily replied.
"Everything is fine, Mother, really. It's acceptable pain, as far as I'm concerned. Much as I'd love to press on, it might be pushing it. I could use a little more rest."
"Guess that means I'm coming in bright and early. You hit me up if anything else is going sideways, yeah?" Sahir suggested.
"Goes without saying. Thank you so much, Sahir-kun." Sakuya gave him a hug.
"Thanks a ton, big man. Get some rest, and stay away from anything pointy." Lily added.
"Yes, ma'am. Take it easy, ladies--" Sahir tripped over a box, flipped over and landed back on his feet. "HA! Nailed it! See ya!" He exited.
"He doesn't have an off switch, does he?" Lily asked.
"Not that I've discovered, no." Sakuya replied.
"Hey, not saying it's a bad thing. You've got better taste in men than I did at that age. You wanna get some shut-eye? Your room's a bit barren right now, but if all goes well tomorrow we're doing some shopping and filling it out. Don't forget, it's your home as much as mine."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Hey, and you don't gotta do this, but you don't have to be so formal with me. I know it's the maid instinct, but 'Mother' feels a little distant. Would it be too much if you could call me Mama?"
"I understand, and it's okay. Could I have another water, please...Mama?"
"Yes, you certainly may, my baby!" Lily cheerily exclaimed, almost as though little pink hearts had bubbled up around her.
"That's all she really wanted, hm?" Sakuya thought.
---
In Karakura, Kat and Carrie were lying peacefully in the grass, the latter with her eyes closed. "If my hand goes somewhere that hurts, you just tell me, okay?" Kat said.
"It's alright. I'm numb to the pain by now. It's fine so long as I'm relaxing like this." Carrie replied.
"You're the only person I know who could get back up from something like that and respond with 'tis but a scratch'."
"My body and mind are as diamonds. I won't be dimmed by a few scars."
"I told ya before, those scars have their own beauty. Still doesn't mean I don't wish I could fix 'em for you."
"Now why would I want you to fix something you say makes me more beautiful?"
"Heh. Point taken."
Kat's phone began to buzz. "Wuh-oh."
"Who is it?"
"It's...my mom. Please don't tell me it's about Pops or Lin..." Kat answered, and Joon appeared on-screen. "Hey, Mama. Who was it and what'd they do this time?"
"Your father's annoying me again, and I've chosen to decompress rather than slap him. How are things going lately? Did you get the package I sent you?" Joon replied.
"Oh, yeah, it came in this morning. Thanks a million, Mama. I just have to hold off on opening it til next Sunday."
"If you do, you'll have better self-control than your father. I was going to send you two boxes, but unfortunately he found the other one. I have to pick my hiding spots better. Anyway. Are you keeping up with your studies?"
"Yes, Mama."
"I already knew the answer. I've been having your Professor send me regular updates. I'm very much impressed with your improvement. How about your room? Have you been keeping it tidy?"
"Yes, Mama."
"I'll need photographic proof of that to make sure, but I can tell when you're lying, so I'll choose to believe it. Is that a beret you're wearing?"
"Oh, um...yeah."
"Looks cute. I've noticed you've been changing up your fashion choices to things other than just jeans and a tank top. It suits you." 
"Th-thanks, Mama."
"Kitten...I know I don't say it often enough, but I'm proud of how far you've come this past year. Sending you abroad was the right idea. Even if I do miss having you around." Joon sighed. "This might sound strange coming from me, but when you come home I think we all need to sit down and have a collective heart-to-heart...to-heart-to-heart. I've come to the conclusion that the biggest issue plaguing this house is that everyone in it internalizes everything to the point where nobody's really communicating. A bit of snark here, a snappy comeback there, everyone retreats to their respective corners and that's about it. I'm just as guilty of it. I want us to have a talk that doesn't just end with a deadpanned joke. You get what I mean, So-yin?"
"Oh, Mama...I get you. I don't think we've ever really had a serious talk where nobody was trying to turn it into a comedy bit. We're all just wired to be sarcastic. I dunno if you'd be able to get Pops and Lin to follow through, but it'd be a big help if we could all stop for a second and talk. Maybe try to be somewhat sane."
"My thoughts exactly." Joon stopped to look closer. "Where are you right now, anyway?"
"Um...well..."
"Let's see...pleasant park environment, few people around, you being evasive..." Joon closed her eyes to think, before reopening them. "So what's his-slash-her-slash-their name?"
"Wha--why would you assume that I've got someone...and why the--"
"So-yin, I carried you in my gut for nine months before taking seven hours to push you out. I know you better than you know yourself. Let me try to guess...just based on what I witnessed during Family Weekend, and your sudden interest in berets, I would say it's...the Monaco girl. Carrie, I believe it was?"
"Gh...! Welp, if it wasn't, it would've been super awkward. Say hi to my mom, Care." Kat moved the camera.
"Hello, Mrs. Kit." Carrie waved.
"Hello, dear. Now I feel guilty for interrupting your time together." Joon replied.
"Aw, don't be. We were mostly just sitting here relaxing." Kat said.
"So how long has this been going on?"
"Officially for a week. We, uh...you know that dream I've had since I was little?"
"You mean the one with the--" Joon put a hand over her mouth. "Kitten, did you...did you act it out?"
Kat began to blush. "We did, Mama. It was..."
"It was magical, Mrs. Kit. I could tell she was thinking about it for a very long time." Carrie added.
"Oh my...so this is serious, then. Not some look-across-the-hallway type of crush, but...serious." Joon uttered.
"I love her, Mama. I know what you're thinking, 'teenagers don't know the meaning of the word, I've seen this too many times'. But I know what I feel in my heart." Kat explained.
"As do I." Carrie reiterated.
Joon paused to think. "So-yin. Can I speak with her for a moment?"
"Sure, Mama. Guess that means I've gotta find something to do." Kat replied.
"I know we just had dessert, but I could go for some ice cream from the little shop across the street." Carrie suggested.
"Your wish is my command. Be back in a sec." Kat got up, put her boots back on, and walked off.
"Okay, Ms...Blackthorne, if I remember correctly?" Joon asked.
"Correct, Madame."
"That look in your eyes and my daughter's eyes...that isn't the look of a flash-in-the-pan fling. That is pure, honest love that I'm witnessing. And she actually went through with the dance. 'Cranes mate for life, and when I dance with someone, that's what I want it to mean.' My daughter went into that fully believing that she would be spending her life with you. You are aware of that, yes?"
"Of course. And I truly feel the same way. I've seen the kind, loving heart she has. My mother always said that when she first locked eyes with my father, she knew he was the one she would spend her days with." Carrie somberly paused. "Sadly, that turned out to be true."
"Oh, you poor girl. I didn't mean to dig up something so sensitive."
"No need to apologize. But I mean it when I say it. I know very well just how precious this life is. We only get the one. And even knowing that, I truly, wholeheartedly wish to spend it with your daughter. I mean it with the utmost sincerity."
"Please mean it. Please. You seem like a lovely girl, the exact kind of person I want for So-yin. I don't know if she could handle more heartbreak. After she broke up with that Max boy, she called me and I could see how distraught she was. She's so sensitive, and rarely opens up to anyone. If you're promising her a long life together, you have to mean it. Anything otherwise would probably destroy her. I don't want to heap any pressure on you, but--"
"Madame, please. I truly do mean it. I only wish to bring her happiness. Tomorrow is never a guarantee. But it's best spent with someone who fills your life with love. In that sense, I would love nothing more than to spend every remaining tomorrow I have with Kitten. That is the honest truth."
Joon was taken aback. "You mean it...she's going to be okay...my kitten is going to be okay..." 
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Not at all, you unbelievably sweet thing. Not at all."
"I'm baaaaack." Kat returned. "Your requested soft-serve, Your Majesty."
"My thanks, my love." Carrie cheerily replied.
"Uh, Mama? Are you crying?"
"What? What'd give you that idea? This is eye sweat. It's super hot today." Joon denied.
"It's autumn and you're in the AC."
"Anyway, I think I hear your father calling. I'll check in again soon. Lovely to talk with you, Ms. Blackthorne. And, kitten?"
"Yeah?"
"You're very lucky. Treat her right."
"Yes, ma'am. See you later."
"Take care, Madame." Carrie waved.
"Thank you, sweet thing." The call ended.
"...what did you say to her?" Kat asked.
"Nothing I didn't mean."
"I've never seen her cry before. Like, ever. You've done the unthinkable."
"Oh, it's not that unthinkable. I don't think your mother is as cold as she would have people believe. Reminds me of someone I know."
"Dunno what you mean."
"Hm~. Oh, on the subject of the cold...I had an idea that I've been throwing around. What will you be doing for Christmas?"
"Uh, I dunno. Going home, probs."
"What if I told you there was a way for us to spend the holidays under one roof without you missing your family?"
"Oh, boy. I feel mad science coming along."
"My uncle is going to be away on business during Christmas, so it was going to be me and my aunt alone. There's ample space in the manor for many guests, and this would only highlight how empty it tends to feel. So I already asked Natalia this and she said she would ask her parents, but do you think your family would be alright flying over for the holidays?"
"You want...you want me and my fam to spend Christmas in your fancy mansion. That would be a 'hell yeah' on most fronts, except for...well. A certain snake queen. You're gonna stick Lin in a rich playground during gift season and not expect her to be tempted?"
"Manors where I live have top of the line security."
"Pretty sure they've never dealt with Personas before. Care, I'd love to do this, and after your convo with my mom I'm sure my folks would be down for it. But I know my sister. You'd be welcoming her into the ultimate kingdom and handing her the keys."
"I trust you to keep her from doing anything. Please, Kitten? It really does get very lonely back home, beautiful a place as it is. I wish to spend the most lovely time of year with my best friend and my new love. It'd assuredly be the happiest Christmas I would have since my parents' passing. Please?"
Kat let out a sigh. "Okay, Care Bear, you sweet talked me into it. I'll make sure Lin is on her best behavior. Christmas in Monte Carlo doesn't sound half-bad."
Carrie warmly hugged Kat. "I love you so much, Kitten. I'll tell my aunt to make the accommodations. This may be my first happy holiday in a long time. I'm already counting the moments."
"And I'll do everything to make it that way. Including binding my sister's hands with titanium." "Man, Lin, you'd better not make me regret this..." Kat thought.