Milk and its Derivatives is the continuation of the Citrus story. Set approximately seven years after graduating from high school and the birth of their younger sister, Mei and Yuzu are now young adults living together in a stable relationship. The arrival of their younger sister, Atsuko, introduces the pair to new experiences and challenges.

Chapter Text

War Council

Mei had no memory of ever learning how to make a tie’s knot. It felt as she had always possessed the knowledge to do so. She knew how unlikely a case that was, but she had no memory of learning how to do it, or rather she had no memory of being taught how to do it.

“Do not worry.” She reassured Atsuko when her little sister failed to tighten her small tie once again. “There is still plenty of time." Mei picked Atsuko up, sat her on the bathroom counter and proceeded to tie the knot in no time with practised hands and deft fingers.

“Is it too tight?” She asked.

“No.” Atsuko was quick to answer.

Mei caught sight of her reflection in the mirror by chance. The hard set of her lips and her furrowed brow betrayed her usually calm demeanour. With a sigh, she forced her features to relax into a most neutral expression.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like a bow better, little samurai?” Yuzu appeared in the doorway. Her posture bearing the simplicity of happiness. Just the sight of her infused Mei with a sense of assurance that was most welcome.

“I want the tie!” Atsuko repeated for the fifth time. Yuzu had every intention of asking her at least five times more. It was a lost cause though. After seeing a high school picture of Yuzu and Mei, Atsuko had set her mind on wearing the optional child-sized tie that came with her Aihara Academy uniform. By Yuzu’s own admission, she looked adorable in it. Her constant questioning had more to do with enjoying teasing her little sister and her wish to look like Mei than to any real fashion advice.

Yuzu leaned against the bathroom’s door frame, arms loosely crossed over her chest, legs crossed at the heels. She was wearing a pair of yoga pants and a floaty tank top, having just changed from her working clothes. If her posture was not enough to declare how relaxed she was, then the amused smile that was playing on her lips would have revealed her good mood just as clearly.

Mei held back a sigh. Tension had been holding her captive from the moment she opened her eyes. Only Yuzu’s eyes were capable of seeing the truth of her though. She was ever so grateful for Yuzu’s sunny disposition as it countered her dark mood and made everything easier for her. Until then, Mei had made a conscious effort to keep her mind focused on getting Atsuko ready, in order to prevent it from wandering. It was paramount for her to remain sharp and alert.

“At what time will you be back?” Yuzu moved to stand behind Mei, her lover’s closeness enticed a sigh out of her. She brought her hands to rest over the curves of Mei’s hips and pulled her back against her, softly and yet possessively. Yuzu bestowed a soundless kiss upon Mei’s nape, the sharp intake of breath following her gesture made her smile.

Mei was still clad in her bathrobe, having just bathed. Yuzu found herself drawn to her lover’s body by something deeper than desire. She felt the need to cradle Mei in her arms, to make her feel loved and to keep her away from anything that might cause her pain.

“It should not take more than an hour.” Mei truly wished for that to be the case. She was not feeling too thrilled about meeting her grandfather and even though she was not one to eschew her duties, she found herself wishing for a reprieve.

The warmth of Yuzu’s body against her back was all that Mei needed, it reminded her that her life was made of fulfilled dreams. All of the good things in her life had blossomed from her encounter with Yuzu. She doubted she would ever be able to properly convey what Yuzu meant to her with words. She felt the biggest part of her tension melt away and when Yuzu moved her hands along her ribcage, a different kind of fire stirred inside her.

“Good.” Yuzu’s grinning face appeared in the mirror, just above Mei’s left shoulder. “Because I have promised someone a special hairstyle for tonight dinner.” Her sparkling green eyes settled on Atsuko.

“Yes!” Atsuko piped in. “Yuzu-nee is going to make me look like a samurai!”

Mei continued to be in awe of her little sister’s enthusiasm. It did not take much for Atsuko to be happy, she was much like Yuzu in that regard. Sometimes, all it took to make their day was an unexpected hug.

She was surprised that the thought of having dinner with her family was one of comfort to her. Before Ume and Yuzu had stepped into her life, her understanding of family had been centered around the idea of legacy and duty. She knew better now. Family no longer meant sacrifice, it meant understanding, comfort, warmth and so many other wonderful things.

For once, the fact that Shou would be around at dinner did not make her anxious, seeing Shou interact with Atsuko never ceased to fascinate her. She had no recollection of a father that was so easygoing and had smiles for everyone. It could have not been further from the memory she had of him and it allowed her to see him as a person instead of just an idea. A person she could be able to sincerely call “father”. One day.

“I need to get ready.” Her musing had kept her distracted for some time and the sight of Atsuko wearing her uniform acted as a painful reminder. It was almost time. Mei turned toward Yuzu with a question in her eyes.

“Go on. I’ll brush her hair” Yuzu traded place with Mei and made a whirling motion with her finger, prompting Atsuko to turn around on the counter, her back to Yuzu.

“How about three braids, starting from the top of your head?” Yuzu ran her fingers through Atsuko’s dark locks, her mind already working to set the stage for the samurai hairstyle she had promised her little sister. She wondered if Gramps would even notice the unorthodox hairstyle. Probably not.

“No. That’s for dinner.” Atsuko was quick to shoot down her suggestion. “I want to keep it down now, to look like Nee-san”

Yuzu shifted her eyes to look at their reflection in the mirror. Atsuko had Ume and Yuzu’s deep green eyes but apart from that she looked identical to Mei in every way. It made sense since they both took after Shou.

“Seriously.” Yuzu sighed while taking Atsuko’s brush. “You wouldn’t be able to not look like Mei if you tried. Maybe if you wore a mask...” Yuzu’s voice trailed off and she had to stifle a laugh at the smile that exploded on Atsuko’s face because of her words.

Atsuko’s smile though, that she did not get from Mei. Yuzu could see their mother in it, and thankfully the child smiled quite often. Something she knew Mei had not been able to do for a significant portion of her own childhood. Besides, no smile was like Mei’s. The look of surprise that would appear on her girlfriend’s face after a smile was the most heartwarming sight Yuzu had ever seen. It was also heartbreaking though, to see Mei react to a smile as if it was something unexpected.

No matter, dwelling over the past was of little use and Yuzu had vowed to herself to make Mei smile every day at least once, hopefully more.

Yuzu started to run the brush through Atsuko’s hair. Fortunately, Atsuko’s hair was as silky and fine as Mei’s and brushing it caused no discomfort to her little sister. It was quite the relaxing task. Yuzu lost herself into the action and when her eyes caught sight of Mei walking back into the bathroom, she froze mid motion with a breath stuck halfway down her throat.

Mei was beautiful beyond words. She was clad in a dark blue suit that Yuzu had picked for her. She wore a white shirt under her blazer, the last two buttons were open showing off her beautiful long neck and collarbone. The trouser were extremely tight and their cut was low, they hugged her hips and reached down just past her calves. She was carrying a pair of high heeled blue shoes in one hand along with her purse. Any trace of nervousness had disappeared from her; she was the picture of confidence.

“You’re beautiful.” Yuzu whispered. The truth had slipped from her lips unprompted. The tips of Mei’s ears turned red as they always did whenever Yuzu looked at with a look of such utter adoration and deep seated desire.

“We should go. I do not wish for the car to wait on us.” Mei noted while fishing a pair of sunglasses from her purse and setting them on her head.

“All right.” Yuzu nodded and went to get Atsuko off the counter only to stop halfway. “Hey, where are your slippers?” Atsuko shrugged sheepishly. It was not a novelty for her to conveniently forget her slippers. She loved walking barefoot the best or just wearing socks at least, considering she was wearing her uniform standard white socks, that was not an option, not today. Yuzu knew how important it was for Mei to have Atsuko look pristine today.

“Ugh!” Yuzu huffed while taking her little sister into her arms. “You’re getting too heavy to carry”

“Am not!” Atsuko swung her legs in delight. She was not a particularly lazy child but she loved being carried about. She was absolutely spoiled in this regard.

“She really is not too heavy, Yuzu” Mei called from behind them, never able to let unfounded information stand uncontested. Atsuko was a tall child, but she was willowy and waif-like. Unless she was asleep, it was not particularly difficult to carry her.

“That’s because when you have her, she knows better and stays still!” Yuzu’s protests prompted Atsuko to swing her legs wildly once again, further proving her sister’s point. “Stop that! Little monkey!” Yuzu tickled Atsuko’s sides only to have the child squirm all the more.

“That’s enough.” Two set of green eyes turned on Mei, managing to look innocent and guilty at the same time. “Enough foolishness, from the both of you!” Taking a page from Yuzu’s book, Mei winked to take any possible sting away from her words. Unfortunately she ended up blinking twice.

“You’re doing it wrong, love” Yuzu’s amused voice played on a note of total adoration.

“Nevertheless… you know what I mean.” Mei blinked again for good measure, refusing to feel embarrassed because of the poor control she had over her eyelids.

“She isn’t mad with us, Atsu-chan.” Yuzu fake-whispered to Atsuko in a secretive fashion, quite aware that Mei could hear her every word.

“I know, Yuzu-nee.” Mei being mad was a concept Atsuko had no comprehension of. Her big sister’s firm yet calm aura was one of the reasons she felt so safe around her. She also lacked any memory of Mei ever scolding her, whereas Ume and Yuzu had on some very rare occasion. Not like they would ever raise their voices, no one has ever yelled at her, but they will give her stern instructions like watching before crossing the road. Atsuko had the habit of daydreaming while walking about. Once they even told her to stop grabbing at people’s clothes, it had no effect though as she never stopped doing that. Maybe they secretly enjoyed it.

Once they reached the foyer, Yuzu knelt, making sure to keep Atsuko’s feet of the ground. She reached over to take her shoes, then swiftly proceeded to put them on.

“I can do it--”

“AH!” Yuzu stopped her little sister’s protest. “Next time don’t forget your slippers.”

The child pursed her lips in a quick pout but opted to remain silent. Ignoring the pout, Yuzu let her on her feet but remained knelt in front of her.

“Remember to be on your best behavior around your Grandfather, Atsu-chan.” She smiled, knowing quite well that Atsuko was always on her best behavior around Mei. But it was not her little sister she was concerned over. “And make sure your big sister behaves too…” She added before pulling Atsuko in a tight hug, she felt the child nod against her shoulder.

Unseen to Atsuko, Mei gave Yuzu a knowing and serious look in response to her lover’s instructions.

Mei put her shoes on and took Atsuko’s blue coat; the weather was warm enough but it was better to be prepared.

“We will be going now.” She was about to open the door when Yuzu reached for her arm and turned her around to face her.

“Mei.” Yuzu was so close that Mei could feel the warmth of her whisper over her lips.

“You can’t go without saying goodbye” Yuzu raised a hand to cradle Mei’s face gently while pressing a chaste yet teasing kiss on her lips.

“Yuzu…” Mei felt a blush spread over her cheeks but did not pull away. “… Atsuko”

“She knows we’re in love.” Yuzu turned to wink toward Atsuko, before laying another kiss on Mei’s lips.

“Madly, hopelessly, utterly in love!” Atsuko clarified, repeating a line Ume was fond of saying in regard to her daughters.

A smile found its way on Mei’s lips. Atsuko had never needed any clarification regarding her sisters’ relationship. She had seemed to always know, picking on the romantic nature of their bond spontaneously. It had been a beautiful surprise and she would never forget how happy Yuzu had been over learning it. Her girlfriend had smiled for a whole day while constantly wondering over the marvelousness of it all. She had unmistakably been worried over being rejected by someone she loved. Mei had chided herself for not noticing Yuzu’s concern any sooner. It had not mattered in the end, for Atsuko had embraced their love as the most natural relationship ever.

Mei reached down to gently caress her little sister’s head. Her touch carried gratitude and wonder in equal measure and caused Atsuko to smile shyly at her as if she had felt the unspoken feelings.

“We really need to go now.” Mei glanced at her wristwatch in dismay while dropping her sunglasses over her eyes. “The car will be there in a few minutes.”

“I will wait with you.” Yuzu grabbed an oversized sweater and followed the pair through the door, unwilling to let Mei go just yet. Mei always came back quite taxed from these meetings with her Grandfather. Yuzu had no intention of questioning her lover’s choices but that did not mean she would not be ready to offer comfort for as long as she could.

Hic Sunt Leones

If Mei had ever felt comfortable in her grandfather’s manor she could not remember it. Its oppressive and suffocating nature closed down on her in spite of how spacious the rooms were and how high the ceilings were; it was nothing but a game of deception. The cage was gilded. Nevertheless, it was still a cage.

The maid relinquished their coats and went to place them into the hall walk-in wardrobe before returning to them. Mei had known the woman since her childhood, although she had never learned her name. As everything else in this house, she remained unchanged. She asked them to follow her, politely as ever, and Mei found herself tightening her hold of Atsuko’s hand.

She had taken Atsuko’s hand into hers the moment they left the car and had no intention of relinquishing the grasp. It made her feel centered, her mind bound, unable to wander and safe from wavering.

How fair it is to have such a small child attend these tense meetings? The troubling question pounded in her head. She had lacked the strength to deny her grandfather such a simple request. When Ume had agreed to it, Mei had run out of reasons not to comply.

Her grandfather was waiting for them in his office, which was not the norm as he usually received them in the main living room. The change filled Mei with unease. She had seldom been in his office and the place had never held any good tidings for her. She vividly recalled being informed of her parents’ divorce in this room.

The room had remained unchanged over the years. It held her grandfather’s desk, three chairs and a liquor cabinet that contained nothing but water. Two imposing bookcases stood against the lateral walls, both filled with tomes that had never been opened. Not a speck of dust could be found in the room, which only served to heighten further the paradox it presented.

The room only window stood behind her grandfather’s desk, strategically positioned, meant to direct the sunlight in the eyes of his visitors. The desk was an imposing mahogany piece, finely carved figures decorated the hugely bowed legs and none of them looked friendly. Its surface was bare and polished to shine. Mei thought about her own desk at home, a number of stuffed bears of various sizes dwelled on it, they shared her workspace with pictures of her family and various gifts Yuzu had given her over the years, like a beautiful seashell, a cut of amber, a stone shaped like a heart… each object had a wonderful memory attached to it.

She felt sad for her grandfather. She knew her sentiment to be misplaced as the man lead the life he had chosen for himself and had no wish to change it.

Her Grandfather sat as still as a statue in his leathery chair and she wondered if he had always looked so impressive, not a trace of fragility could be found in him. His expression was as neutral as ever, upon seeing them he nodded and greeted them politely, if not affectionately.

“Good evening, Grandfather. It is good to see you.” Mei bowed slightly and was pleased when Atsuko mimicked her salutation from the speech to the gesture.

Mei stepped sideways to sit in one of the guest chairs. She had not expected Atsuko to just plonk herself into her lap. Surely, such an arrangement was not appropriate to her grandfather’s eyes. The impulse to tell her little sister to sit properly on the other spare chair was no match for the comfort Atsuko’s closeness provided her with and most importantly, Mei was not going to deny Atsuko the security of her touch just to appease her grandfather’s sense of decorum.

She reached around Atsuko and pulled her into a more comfortable position, deeper into her lap and firmly against her front. The scent of her freshly washed hair almost brought a smile to Mei’s face, they had used Yuzu’s conditioner and her lover seemed to be all around her. As expected her, grandfather was frowning at them, unable to conceal his disapproval. It was the only feeling he had trouble masking.

“You look well, grandfather.” He actually did. He had gained some weight and looked reinvigorated.

“You are kind, Mei. But I am truly feeling my age these days.” His posture was perfectly straight. He was, as always, a picture of stillness. A solid, unwavering reality.

“I have to praise you, Mei. The daily report I receive from the board could not be more satisfactory. The Aihara Academy is flourishing under your guidance.” He spoke with a consistently measured tone, masterfully concealing whatever true feelings lay within. Mei recognized the routine all too well; it was a technique that she had also learned to employ.

Atsuko squirmed about in her sister's lap, largely unaware of the standoff she found herself caught in the middle of. Yet she could feel the room was tense. It was impossible not to.

“You flatter me.” Mei fell into the dance with measured elegance. She knew all the steps, all the turns, all the feints. It was an exercise in finesse, a challenge of patience, a game of disguise masked as a conversation.

“My task is made easier by the work of those who came before me.” Her grandfather nodded as Mei knew he would, vanity was the only weakness he conceded himself.

“Nevertheless. Your achievements are not to be discounted.” He wanted her to lower her guard. That much was clear. Yet he knew her all too well to believe she would fall because of flattery. More likely he had reached a point where concealing his purpose was no longer useful.

“Atsuko.” His strict voice seemed to utter the name as an order. “How are you studies progressing?” He shifted his gaze and fixed his stern eyes on his youngest granddaughter.

Mei felt her little sister snuggle further into her lap and instinctively tightened her hold around her waist. Atsuko had grown wary and Mei could not fault her, the atmosphere was unbearably tense. It was unlikely that she would answer the question. Mei decided to fill the silence, she gathered her wits about her, she had to remain sharp, furthermore she could finally be genuine over something.

“She excels in all subjects.” Mei did not bother to conceal the pride she felt, it was for Atsuko’s benefit though. “And her knowledge of kanji is quite advanced for her age.” She smiled down at the child in her lap, a smile she reserved for her family, and Atsuko answered in kind. Mei’s praise had somehow emboldened her and she found the confidence to speak.

“I am not good at sports.” She spoke candidly, the tips of her ears blushing slightly. Mei caressed her cheek in reassurance, gently guiding her gaze on her.

“As long as you persevere you will improve.” After all, through perseverance Yuzu had achieved academic greatness.

“And I can’t swim.” Atsuko shrugged self-depreciatively. “But Papa promised to teach me next week!” Atsuko had forgotten about her grandfather, her enthusiasm made it clear, she was speaking solely to Mei.

“Hmm…” Grandfather cleared his throat, a frown was deeply hatched over his brow. “We shall see if he remembers” Mei wisely chose to ignore his words but Atsuko could not do the same, a forlorn expression appeared on her face.

“Father has been looking forward to it, truly.” Mei whispered only for Atsuko to hear. It was an act of rudeness but her Grandfather had brought it down upon himself. “Mother said he will not speak of anything else”. She was not going to stand still and have her sister be hurt.

“In spite of all his shortcomings, your father has done the Aihara’s family a great service…” Mei did not miss the introductory tone of her grandfather’s voice as imperceptible as it was. She was in a state of perfect awareness and nothing could go past her. It seemed he had been waiting for a chance to mention his son and Atsuko had given him the perfect opening.

“…at the moment the family needed it the most your father came through…” When he paused mid-sentence Mei knew it was time to brace herself. “…he provided me with another heir.”

And he was done circling the subject.

Mei’s will had been tempered by fire times and times again over the years and had been folded over itself as many times as was needed to make it the finest of blades, sharp and unbreakable. It was the strength of such will that allowed her to maintain a neutral, unreadable expression. However, her hold around Atsuko tightened once again and she was overcome by tenderness when her little sister put her small hands over hers in a gesture meant to offer comfort.

“As I stated, you have performed admirably in your interim role, Mei. My direct reports speak highly of you.” He adjusted his glasses before continuing. “…but they are also asking me when I will appoint a permanent successor as chairman.”

“I believe your current disposition is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.” He was talking about marriage and for a moment his gaze hardened, the smallest of crack broke over his façade and Mei saw how deep his resentment ran, the way he perceived her as a complete failure. It carried the strength of a physical blow and Mei’s will staggered under it. If not for Atsuko’s warm presence, acting as a reminder and as a source of strength, she might have folded under the pressure of it.

“My sole wish is for the Academy to have a true Aihara at the helm.” He was speaking his true desire and Mei had no reason to doubt the veracity of this statement.

The thought of passing the Academy to someone that did not possess Aihara blood was inconceivable to her grandfather. After all, back in the day, Udagawa-san had been poised to take the Aihara’s name and to pass it down to their children so that the Aihara’s bloodline could flourish once again.

“If you allow me to present the board with the possibility of continuity, your position will be strengthened and officially recognised.” He had finally revealed his play. Mei was relieved, she could finally take a look at the picture he had been craftily painting. She found herself torn over it.

“I am too old to personally see to any of that. I am painfully aware of the fact that my own son is not invested in the school. But you...” Mei was shocked by the pleading quality his grandfather’s voice had taken. It was unthinkable to hear him be so wistful. If his tone was genuine or just the working of another deception, she could not say. “…I know you love the Academy as much as I do, Mei. The work and thought you put into it speaks for itself.”

Mei felt Atsuko fidget in her lap and contemplated the idea of leaving, not for the first time. What am I putting this small child through?

“She is too young for any of this—”

“She is not your child. You have no say in this.” Mei did not know if her grandfather had aimed to be cruel by pointing out that Atsuko was not hers. He had simply stated a fact. And facts were not meant to cause pain, they were merely to be accepted and dealt with.

Nevertheless, a sharp and unfamiliar pain surged within her upon hearing his words. It lodged itself among her thoughts, a presence she could not ignore. Hearing her grandfather’s words had given rise to a previously unacknowledged desire. The thought of raising Atsuko as her successor felt intolerably appealing.

Mei knew that her seat at the top of the Academy was often a lonely one and to prepare someone as bright as Atsuko to face the future enticed her scholarly self.

“Her parents should be part of this discussion.” She had to bargain for time. She needed to collect her thoughts and to sharpen her wits.

“You will see that they are.” Grandfather stood and walked around his desk with measured steps, his hands held behind his back. “I will grant you a proper amount of time to think over my proposal. Make no mistake though, your future at the Academy is tied to your answer.”

“The maid will see you out.” He left the room without a further glance.

Mei felt Atsuko squirm around in her lap. She was still holding her sister rather tightly against her. She loosened her arms and allowed Atsuko to fully turn in her embrace, so that they were facing each other.

“Nee-san….” Atsuko’s voice was a whisper. “Are you upset?”

“No.” Mei forced herself to smile, it did not reach her eyes. “Not at all.”

“Are you sure…” Atsuko’s green eyes were riddled with concern. “...Nee-san?”

“Forgive me…I….” Mei‘s right hand raised to gently cradle Atsuko’s worried face. She focused her attention solely on it. “Thank you for being ever so patient, Atsuko.”

“Can we go now?” The small brow was still furrowed in uncertainty.

“This really is too tight, is it not?” With a caressing motion Mei’s brought her fingers to rest over the tie’s knot.

“A bit...yes.” Atsuko blushed at the admission.

“You do not need to hide your discomfort from me, Atsuko” Mei said gravely. Her words were coloured by disappointment at her failure to notice sooner.

She loosened the small knot immediately with slightly trembling fingers.

With Fire and Blood

Yuzu was not alone, Mei realized while stepping through the entrance. Upon hearing her mother’s warm voice, Atsuko kicked her shoes off and dashed into the kitchen. Mei signed and retrieved them before taking off her own. She took her time, placing them neatly alongside Yuzu’s and Ume’s shoes.

She put her purse on the counter, hanged Atsuko’s coat and walked into her slippers.

She could not hide any longer. Releasing a deep sigh, she straightened herself and walked into the kitchen.

Yuzu was leaning against the counter, smiling at something Ume had just said. Her emerald gaze locked with Mei’s purple one the second she stepped into the room. Her eyes widened in concern as she caught on the stormy mood Mei was in.

Mei forced herself to look away, seeing Yuzu’s smile turn into a frown because of her was a burden she could not shoulder at the moment.

It was a mistake, for the next instant she was meet with the sight of Ume rocking Atsuko in her arms.

“I missed you this morning.” Ume spoke while cradling her daughter’s face against her neck. “It was still dark when I left the house. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes!” Atsuko pulled back to smile at her mother. “I read to Nee-san and Yuzu-nee made me hot chocolate!” Her daughter’s happiness was the greatest gift Ume could ever wish for.

“I see.” She bumped foreheads with Atsuko playfully. “So you didn’t miss me at all.”

“I did!” Atsuko yelped, always unwilling to have any member of her tight little family doubt how much she loved them.

“You are too sweet...”

Mei had to look away from the pair, unable to conceal the guilt from her eyes. Even though Atsuko had her full attention, Ume did not miss Mei’s gesture of shame. She exchanged a few looks with Yuzu. it was all it took for them to get on the same page. Without a word Yuzu went to retrieve Atsuko from their mother.

“Time to get you hair done, little samurai!” Yuzu announced and was rewarded with an over enthusiastic “yes” from Atsuko.

The moment they left the kitchen, the room fell into silence.

“Mei-chan...”

Mei clenched her jaw and tried to avoid making eye contact with her stepmother’s inquisitive gaze. Ume had the same verdant green eyes as Yuzu and Mei knew that she would not be able to think rationally if she looked into them.

“Sit with me.” Ume continued. “You look troubled. Did something happen when you visited your grandfather?”

Mei took a seat next to her and mentally steeled herself.

“Yes. Something did happen.”

“Is Atsuko okay?” Ume’s concerned expression deepened as she immediately began to worry about her young daughter.

“She is fine, mother. Her wellbeing is always my highest priority. Though I wasn’t able to hide my bad mood from her.”

Ume’s expression softened when she learned that Atsuko was fine. She offered Mei a reassuring smile and her shoulder-length hair shook ever so slightly as she tilted her head.

“Ah! Such things are not easy to avoid. It is natural for children to be so inquisitive.”

“I apologise for worrying you.” Mei bowed her head. The act of deference concealed her eyes, narrowed with guilt.

“You don’t have to say sorry, Mei.” Ume’s maternal warmth radiated from her. “You don’t have to burden yourself with every little thing.”

“Grandfather... had another proposal for me.”

“Not another marriage?!” Exclaimed Ume, making no attempt to hide her sarcasm.

The joke elicited a small chuckle from Mei and set her mind at ease. She relayed her grandfather’s plan to her stepmother.

“First of all, we need to see how your little sister feels about that.” Ume replied calmly. “I think that she’ll jump at the chance to spend more time with you.”

“Mother. It’s not that simple.” Mei sighed. It was a futile effort for her to try to hide her feelings from Ume. Ume always knew.

“It is that simple, Mei-chan.” Ume grinned. “That girl thinks you hung the Sun-“

“The Moon.” Mei interjected.

“Was it? She probably thinks that you hung both of them...” Ume trailed off, trying to recall Atsuko’s bold theories on the solar system. She gave up and returned to the topic at hand. “Either way, there will be no resistance from her.”

“That is not the issue.” Mei replied bluntly.

“Are you suggesting that the wishes of your sister don’t matter?” Ume pouted dramatically for effect, but this joke did not make Mei smile.

“What Atsuko wants is very important to me.”

“Mei-chan, what would happen if you were to accept Grandfather’s proposal and Atsuko then changed her mind after a few months?” Ume queried, despite knowing what Mei’s response would be.

“Things would stop at once. I would not allow them to continue.” Mei’s responses became increasingly stern in tone. “That place... the Academy... it gets under your skin. It is difficult to get away from there once you are hooked.”

Ume knew that Mei cared deeply about the academy, leading her to conclude that her concerns actually regarded the Aihara patriarch.

“Your father got away and you did too.” Ume chose her words carefully, not wanting to further aggravate the situation. “What will it take for you to appease your grandfather? What does he want from the two of you?”

Mei explained the specifics of the request. She detailed how Atsuko would be expected to join her for certain formal events, attend the shorter board meetings and be introduced to investors. Mei reiterated that she still would not allow Atsuko to be involved in anything too tasking.

“So she gets to spend time with the sister she loves so dearly?” Ume asked optimistically.

“Yes. I will have to see to her education more closely and-“

“Don’t you already do that?” Ume interrupted her stepdaughter, removing the opportunity for her to further over-analyse the proposal.

“...Yes.” Mei replied meekly. “But she may also be required to learn the academy’s history too. Grandfather might ask that of her.” Mei shuddered as she recalled many tedious lectures regarding leadership changes and scrapped projects from years gone by.

“Are you going to allow that to happen?”

“No. Never” Mei’s self-assurance returned to her as she realised that she held more cards than her grandfather.

“Excellent. You should tell your grandfather what you just told me.” Ume paused before observing that Mei’s troubled look had not completely left her. “...But Mei-chan, that’s not the only thing bothering you, is it?”

“Mother... I fear that I am every bit the Aihara that my grandfather is.” The words were painful to speak. Mei bowed her head, unable to face Ume’s honest eyes.

She was startled by Ume taking her hands into hers. The touch was comforting, warm, it filled her with a measure of courage and she dared to look up. The understanding look Ume was offering her held depths Mei felt undeserving of.

“How so?” Ume squeezed her hands gently.

“Once grandfather revealed his plan.” Mei smiled bitterly, it had been a long time since she has done so. “My first thought was not one of concern.” Her jaw locked tightly and she bite back her shame.

“I was fascinated by the idea of having Atsuko by my side. The thought of having someone to pass my legacy on enticed me. That is the pattern my mind followed.”

Ume had to bite down her lip, or she would have laughed. It was not the time to allow hilarity to win her over. Except, her Mei-chanwas sternly judging herself a lesser person over the most human desire of being close to someone she loved dearly.

“Mei. Are you saying that having your little sister by your side…” Ume paused as if she was about to unravel a great mystery “ …would make you happy?”

“….Yes.…” Mei replied timidly as if she had reasons to be ashamed over acknowledging such a simple truth.

“Mei” No one said her name with same warmth Ume did. It must have been a tone only a mother could muster. “Of my three daughters, you are the one I worry over the most”

“I do not mean to…” Mei was quick to try to put her mind at ease, but Ume would not have it.

“No. No. No need to apologize. You are not at fault.” Ume smiled reassuringly. “I wish you wouldn’t be so unfair to yourself. You judge yourself so harshly, Mei”

“Mother…”

"Mei-chan, you should not feel guilty about loving people. I certainly do not feel guilty about loving you."

The confused look Mei was giving her infused Ume with a blend of tenderness and sadness.

“Mei…” She tightened her hold on Mei’s hands, willing all the love she felt for the girl to pass through her touch, to echo in her voice and to shine in her eyes. “Would I have entrusted two of my three daughters to your care if I didn’t believe your heart to be anything but loving and sincere?”

Mei’s features softened at once into a grateful, incredulous expression, Ume had never seen a more innocent smile. She would never forget it, the sight of it was to become one of her dearest memories.

“Mother…” Mei stood abruptly, an uncharacteristic move for her, she almost knocked her chair back. She stepped away from the table and bowed deeply. “I will keep trying to make you proud.”

When Ume heard the crack in her Mei’s voice she could not refrain from standing up, going to her and pulling her into a tight hug.

“Mother...” Mei stood stiff in her arms

.

“I’m not letting you go, Mei-chan” At her words, Mei finally relaxed and melted into the hug. She wrapped her own arms around Ume and not for the first time felt blessed to have the woman as a parent.

End of Chapter 3, AKA:

The one where Mei has the best of mothers.

Bless Based Ume.