Anime Girls are Moist

In the Yukinoshita living room

Mrs. Yukinoshita Fuyuka raised her teacup with practiced grace.

After a light sip she set it down and let her gaze sweep across Rei Ao and her two daughters seated opposite.

"I've thought it over," she began, her voice far softer than usual.

"Since I've decided to leave the Yukinoshita Estate behind, I'd like to buy a home near Rei Ao's place. Haruno can move in with me."

Haruno's eyes lit up at once.

"Really, Mother?!"

She almost leapt from the sofa, as giddy as a child.

"Then I'll get to see Yukino-chan and Rei Ao-kun every day!"

Yukino's eyes widened; the decision had clearly caught her off-guard.

But she hid the surprise quickly, an involuntary smile tugging at her lips.

"That… does sound like a good arrangement."

Pleasure shimmered in the many-hued depths of Rei Ao's eyes.

"You'll be more than welcome. It's a lovely neighborhood."

He turned to Fuyuka.

"Shall I house-hunt with you? I know the area well."

A rare, relaxed smile spread over Fuyuka's face.

"I'd appreciate that, Rei Ao-kun.

To be honest, it's been a very long time since I chose anything just for myself."

Her fingertips traced the rim of the cup.

"In the past I bought property only for investment or family needs. This time I want a place I truly like."

"Mother…"

Yukino's voice held an unfamiliar softness.

"You've changed so much."

Fuyuka looked at her, emotion complicated in her eyes.

"Perhaps this is the real me — buried too long beneath the Yukinoshita name."

She paused.

"I want to make up for all the years I missed while you were growing up."

Haruno suddenly flung her arms around her.

"It's not too late at all! We can go shopping together, see movies — do everything normal mothers and daughters do!"

Awkwardly, Fuyuka returned the hug; a simple gesture, yet for her a giant step.

Rei Ao watched, a quiet glow of satisfaction in his eyes.

…

Dusk

Hand in hand, Rei Ao and Yukino left the Yukinoshita house.

The setting sun stretched their shadows long, braided together on the pavement.

"I never imagined Mother would change so much,"

Yukino whispered, the breeze almost stealing her words.

"I could hardly recognize her."

Even she hadn't expected this visit home to cut so deep.

Rei Ao squeezed her hand.

"Isn't it good news?"

She was silent for a moment, then shook her head.

"No… it's wonderful. Just hard to believe."

For once she leaned into him of her own accord, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you, Rei Ao. Without you, Mother might never have laid down the Yukinoshita burden."

Rei Ao smiled.

"Fuyuka has always longed for freedom; she only needed a trigger."

He glanced at the darkening sky.

"Speaking of which, what style do you think she'd prefer for the new house? Traditional? Modern?"

"Mother would probably like…"

Yukino pondered, then realized what he was doing and blushed.

"Wait — you're seriously helping her pick a house?"

"Of course," he said as if obvious. "We're a family now; everyone should live comfortably."

Yukino's heart skipped a beat.

The word family from his lips sent a warm flutter through her. She squeezed his hand and let it stand.

Still, she couldn't resist a jab.

"Shouldn't you learn her tastes yourself, oh irresistible one?"

Her eyes glinted with mixed feelings.

"Er… Yukino, are you jealous of Fuyuka now?"

He pinched her smooth cheek.

"You and Haruno started this, remember."

She had no retort; the rebellion had been Haruno's idea, but she had aided and abetted.

And yes, that lingering, tender look Fuyuka had given Rei Ao at the door did bother her.

"Honestly, the real issue is that you're just… far too lecherous."

She cut to the chase.

Rei Ao laughed.

"Wrong — I'm not only lecherous; I'm also extremely charming. How else would I have captured the entire Yukinoshita family?"

"Shameless…"

They traded barbs, laughing.

Rounding a corner, they almost bumped into Saki Kawasaki.

The usually cool girl was carrying a small tool bag. She froze at the sight of them holding hands.

"G-good afternoon,"

she greeted, a bit flustered, eyes flicking to their intertwined fingers.

"Kawasaki-san," Yukino nodded calmly, but she did not let go of Rei Ao's hand.

"Heading somewhere?"

"Ah…"

Saki lifted the bag.

"It's the weekend. I'm on my way to do housework at Rei Ao-kun's place, like always."

She hesitated. "Didn't expect to run into you two… together."

"Oh right, I'd forgotten about that,"

Rei Ao said with an easy laugh.

"We're going the same way — why not walk with us?"

He moved to Saki's other side, and the three strolled abreast.

The initial silence felt a touch awkward; Saki kept stealing glances at their clasped hands.

"How's home these days?"

Rei Ao broke the ice.

"Did your dad find new work?"

Talking about her family still felt strange in public, but she answered.

"Yes. Thanks to the job you introduced him to, things are much better now. We made it through the rough patch."

She looked at him earnestly.

"Really, thank you for the well-paid, easy housekeeping job, too."

Rei Ao waved it off.

"It was nothing. I'm glad you're over the hump."

Yukino listened quietly, a flicker of approval in her eyes.

She knew Rei Ao had helped many people, but every fresh example filled her with pride — even if he might also be interested in Saki.

Moments like this showed his kinder, human side, the one she couldn't help wanting to draw closer to.

~~~

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