Chapter Text
"Ah Terano, Yumi.. you're here. Again."
Kirari's greeting left much to be desired. There was an air of contempt that would forever be associated with her cousin. But Terano recognized the teasing as just that. Teasing.
She arched a brow at her cousin. "It's Wednesday, Is it not?"
"Yes but I decided that I want Sayaka to myself today." Kirari hummed. Despite her words, the door widened further, allowing Yumi to push Terano through. Letting her excitement take the better of her, Yumi pushed her wheelchair forward at an impolite speed leaving Kirari momentarily behind.
"Yumi!" Terano barked.
"Goodness. Not only do you come to my home to steal my time away from Sayaka, but you lack the courtesy of a proper greeting. What will Uncle say?" Kirari tsked. As though the first thing she had said to them could ever be considered polite.
"Don't blame me," Terano shot back, "The last time you canceled, Yumi cried for an hour."
"Well we can't have that." Kirari said, finally reaching their side. Terano was going to agree, but there was something in the tight line of Kirari’s smile that bothered her. She seemed tired. Which was ridiculous, as even after all that has happened, her Secretary still did all the work.
Yumi had the grace to look sheepish. "Sorry, It's just…I was never allowed to learn before."
Terano watched as Kirari's soft smile pursed into a genuine pout. "But Wednesday evenings used to be our date nights. I'm growing restless with need."
Terano scowled. "Kirari, you should watch what you say around Yumi."
But it was too late. Yumi was already consoling a lovelorn Kirari who was basking in the attention. Her cousin was all wistful sighs, and complaints. Ever since the election, apparently Sayaka had been busy. Well, even more so.
School reforms, college exam prep, and end of year ceremonies. It seems there had been little quality time shared between the two lovers. Their reprieve had been Wednesday evenings. Ririka and Mary would go off on their own, which left the after school hours mostly free to do whatever they pleased.
Recently, Sayaka had decided to book it with Self Defense training.
"You make it sound as though she's avoiding you." Terano said.
"I would never suggest such a thing." Kirari replied, "Ririka however, made the observation a few nights ago."
Terano sighed feeling exasperated. Yet she couldn't help but let a small amused smile grace her lips. Kirari was actually confiding in her.
"Well at least my pain still pleases you." Kirari huffed, her lilting voice falling flat.
"I just find the situation ironic.”
Kirari frowned. She was about to say something when there was another knock at the door.
"Go. Yumi and I will see ourselves to the garden."
Kirari's frown deepened but she returned to the door as Yumi pushed forward. She could not help her snicker as Kirari greeted her next guest in that same flat unamused tone.
"Ibara. What a pleasant surprise."
----
Kirari and Terano shared tea on a western style porch as Yumi, Sayaka, and Ibara did their drills. It was a scene that had become routine this past year. The three of them were of completely different skill levels, and Terano didn't know how effective this 'training' actually was.
Ibara had formal bodyguard training. When his mind and heart had failed his family, he had at the very least dedicated his body. He had a brawler's style and swagger about him, and no matter what, his instinct would always be to shield Rin.
Sayaka had formal self defense training. Aikido. At first, they would run drills and spar. They would swap stances and copy the other. However when Ibara mentioned wearing bullet proof vests, Kirari had insisted on inviting Yumi to these sessions as well.
Kirari had no real interest in turning her Secretary- her partner- into a bodyguard. To Terano's dismay, her sister all but leapt at the opportunity. Thus 'training' day had turned into 'teach Yumi' day.
They started with stretches, then moved onto warm up drills. Afterwards, Sayaka and Ibara would instruct Yumi on Katas and stances. As she practiced the motions, correcting her form when needed, Sayaka and Ibara would share more advanced techniques or spar.
No matter what, Kirari would insist on watching. Her blue eyes never strayed from Sayaka's form, now freed from the uniform in favor of a tank and shorts that showed off toned muscles in her arms and long legs.
"I'm surprised by how much her skirt keeps hidden." Terano said, tempting fate once more.
If Kirari was the jealous sort it didn’t show. Just a twinkle of pride. "Yes. Sayaka is always full of surprises."
"Do you think she would ever leave you outright?" Terano would never allow Sayaka to fully leave the Clan. But such things were best left unsaid.
"I believe she wanted to… after the incident. However,"
Kirari paused, her eyes once again on her secretary. Her partner.
"She couldn't. Or wouldn't. I will never never know why she stays. I hate you for that."
Terano blinked at the venomous words,
"This self doubt is not a good look on you."
She didn't reply to that. She didn't even acknowledge it. There was just this terrible look of longing on her cousin's face. It almost hurt to see it. Yet if Terano had not done what she did, then she would never have seen anything from her cousin but a false smile and an empty heart.
"Do you want me to mediate a conversation between you two?" Terano asked. It would have been a terrible waste of her time as a diplomat, but if the head of the Momobami family was lovesick it could affect business deals.
In a sense, ‘girl talk’ could be considered Damage control.
"I do not think it is necessary."
"If she's avoiding you to the point of telling me about it, then it is."
Kirari replied with a sip of tea.
"I will let you know by Thursday. Keep your Saturday cleared."
Terano nodded and decided to watch the show. A boxing match ended with Sayaka resorting to her martial arts. She would slap away a punch and quickly pivot to take control of the shoulder for a flip. It must have been difficult due to her height, but she was well practiced. Her movements were precise. Ibara ended up on his back more times than not.
But the repetition of these sessions had meant that Ibara was learning as well. He jerked his body at the last moment, stumbling to the side but remaining out of her control. His right fist swung hitting her-thankfully protected - temple.
Either she was unbalanced or Ibara used more force than was necessary. Sayaka's small form flew a foot back and hit the ground hard. She didn't get up right away.
"Shit. You okay?" Ibara reached to help Sayaka up, but Kirari swatted his hand away. "I think that's enough for one evening." She hummed.
Sayaka allowed Kirari to hold her up as she shook her head. "Twenty more minutes before we wrap up. I can still-"
"You can take a break. You've been nonstop since this morning. An shorter session will not hurt."
"But there's no need, President! I can still-"
"I don't see how getting hit by the clan is a valuable way to spend your time." Kirari continued.
It was the wrong thing to say. Sayaka, for the first time that Teran has seen, glared at Kirari. Unshed tears lingered in her stormy eyes.
"Fine. I'll go home if that's what you want."
"Of course it's not. Sayaka-"
Kirari reached for her partner's hand, but the girl was quick. She jerked away and fled from the gardens and into the manor. Terano didn't know if Sayaka would seek refuge in one of the rooms or if she was fleeing the Momobami grounds altogether.
Terano averted her gaze from Kirari. Ibara did as well. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck and mumbled something about needing to head out early anyways. Yumi looked ready to cry herself.
Kirari had retreated. When they shared their good-byes a familiar soft smile had bid them adieu. Painted nails had tapped impatiently on the door as Yumi offered encouragement that did not reach Kirari's ears.
A phantom of fear took hold of Terano at the sight of her like that. It haunted her well into the evening. If Sayaka broke Kirari's heart, would the Head of the Momobami clan care for her safety still? Could Kirari push Sayaka into the expendable category like she did others of her family?
This past year had lulled Terano Into a false sense of security. You can learn compassion through love, but heartbreak teaches cruelty. And everyone knew of Kiraris cruelty.
Relief came in the form of a single Text: "Saturday. Please."
---
Respect plays a large role in diplomacy. For a compromise to work, both parties must feel like equals. Deceiving Sayaka was a strike against that.
She had called Sayaka over to her manor under the pretense of going over Kirari’s schedule. Her home would be private, and neutral ground for both parties. However Kirari had a way of destroying neutrality simply by existing. Her cousin sat at the head of the coffee table with her legs crossed and a demeanor that screamed authority. Her face was pointed towards the window and she wore an expression of complete indifference. Yet she angled her chin in such an unnatural way that the entrance remained in her peripheral vision. It lacked subtlety.
She wanted to be the first thing Sayaka saw. She wanted Sayaka to know that she was waiting for her.
It was amazing how obvious Kirari could be about these things.
“Kirari, please move. I should be the one who greets Igarashi.”
“I’m quite comfortable, thanks.”
Terano knew that she was anything but, and a familiar flare of impatience flared in her chest. “Kirari-” she tried.
“What? Will you kill my girlfriend if I don't? Seems a bit extreme, but I have to admire your conviction.”
Terano stood stunned for a moment.
“Kira-”
The door swung open, and there she was. Sayaka Igarashi stood doing little to hide her shock at Kirari’s attendance. It wasn’t a bad shock, but it was quickly followed by the furrowing of her brows as her mind raced to try and understand what was going on. Belatedly the girl decided on the direct approach.
“President, hello! I didn’t know you were going to be here.” There was an edge of accusation in her tone, but Terano wasn’t given the chance to respond. Kirari rotated in the seat and held herself like it was a throne as she addressed Sayaka. The bitterness in her tone melted back into its singsong cadence. “I couldn’t stay away.”
Sayaka smiled guiltily. “I…”
“I haven’t seen you since you stormed out on Wednesday, after all.” Kirari continued. Her tone was still soft, but it seemed she was determined to dominate this exchange.
Sayaka’s eyes immediately darted to her, and Terano could see apprehension and guilt at war upon her face.
“I’m sorry President. That was irresponsible and inconsiderate of me. I hope there hasn’t been an issue with work-”
“Forget about the work!” Kirari snapped, anger finally revealing itself in an uncharacteristic snarl unbecoming of the head of the Momobami clan.
Sayaka flinched. Terano watched as Kirari’s eyes widened in surprise. She raised a hand, only to jerk it back, as though afraid of Sayaka’s rejection. It dawned on her then.
“Have you two never fought before?” Terano asked.
Both heads turned towards her. Sayaka in embarrassed anger. Kirari in disbelief.
“We’re not fighting!” Sayaka snapped, tears finally spilling out.
“I suppose not.” Kirari mused, “Sayaka is usually so accommodating to my whims.”
Terano winced at her words. But Sayaka looked sick with guilt. “We’re not fighting.” She repeated. “We’re-”
“Igarashi.” Terano tried, but her words fell on deaf ears. Terano was about to call the meeting quits when Kirari rose from her seat and pulled Sayaka to her.
“We’re not fighting.” she agreed. “But perhaps that's what I want right now.”
“Why?” Sayaka cried, muffling the question into Kirari’s shoulders.
Kirari smiled softly “Because you being here despite hating me is better than you not being here at all.”
“I don’t hate you. I could never hate you President!”
Terano watched as Kirari held Sayaka tighter, “But you could leave me?”
The girl remained silent and Terano capitalized on the opportunity. “There is nowhere you can go that the Honebami couldn't find you. Whether you stay with Kirari or not doesn’t matter.”
Terano left the implication of that statement unsaid. Sayaka began to seeth. Honest tears ran down her cheeks and Terano could not help the wave of guilt that struck at her heart, and was suddenly thankful that Yumi was not invited to this meeting. Kirari watched, utterly fascinated as her partner’s face contorted with anger.
“Is that the problem then, Sayaka?” Kirari asked, “Is it them ?”
Terano knew that a switch had been flipped in Kirari’s head, but Terana wasn’t going to allow Kirari to go back to how they were before. For the first time in years, they had become family. They weren’t close. The relationship was strained. However there was a peace now where before there was agitation and resentment.
Sayaka had brought that peace. It had only cost the girl her own.
“No…yes. I.. Its irrational…” She looked up, and Terano spoke up.
“Perhaps we should talk about it then. That is the true purpose of our visit today.”
Sayaka eyed her warily before shooting Kirari an accusatory glance. “Is it?”
“Yes. You have been distant and I can’t stand it.” Kirari said. She tried to pull Sayaka back to the chair with her, but her partner would not move. She only stared in disbelief.
“So you can have secrets, swap with Ririka, and disappear without so much as a warning, and it's okay. But If I’m a little distant, you call your family to play.. What? Couples Therapy?!”
Kirari scoffed. “When I left, it was only a week or two! And I wasn’t even gone! This has been going on for months.”
“You left me in the dark! I thought you were leaving me behind!”
Kirari scowled. “You do not need to be privy to all of my plans. I already told you that there are some things that I do not wish for you to see. You agreed to that when I first hired you as council secretary.”
“I know! But-”
“Your lack of communication cost Igarashi dearly.” Terano cut in. “Now please, both of you take a seat.”
They both glared at her then, but they both complied without complaint. Sayaka’s stiff posture and earnest scowl was in complete contrast to her partner’s. Kirair sat languidly in her seat and wore a mask of indifference well. Terano regarded them warily.
“You two are very different individuals.” she observed.
“Thats the charm.” Kirari mused.
Terano ignored her, and the rise of pink now coloring Sayaka’s cheeks. “You both deeply care for each other… but it would seem that you’ve never been forced out of a perpetual honeymoon phase.”
It was obvious now, looking back. The protective upperclassmen and her junior. How many times has Sayaka deferred to Kirari’s judgment on account of status, authority, and wisdom? As Sayaka was exposed more and more to the Clan’s world and politics, how much of herself has she thrown out for Kirari?
In turn, her cousin had doted on Sayaka. Sought refuge perhaps. She certainly pushed everyone else away. But miscommunication was the wedge between them now.
Terano sighed. “Sayaka, like it or not, my cousin is an absurd sociopath who is terribly effective at breaking people down. It's what she was raised to do. While you might be instrumental in her rise to power at Hyakkaou, there will be times where you will be most effective not knowing what she does. Kirari…”
Terano recalled the mob. Sayaka standing between the wronged students and her partner. How many blows has this girl received in her service to the Momobami clan?
“...Kirari, your failure to assure her was the same as not protecting her. It's what led us to this point.”
“Something that you were quick to capitalize on.” Sayaka said bitterly.
“That's what it means to be part of the Clan Sayaka. I understand your apprehension though, and why you would wish to back out now.”
Though Terano was loath to see how Kirari’s work ethic will fall with the absence of Sayaka.
“That's not why I’m avoiding her!” Sayaka growled. “It's you! Its--” She stopped herself, regret evident in those dark eyes of hers.
“I ruined everything. I hurt you .” Sayaka said at last, braving Kirari’s gaze. “I can barely stand looking at myself knowing that I’m continuing to hurt you. I can barely stand you looking at me like that, without feeling like I need to be punished.”
Kirari was looking at her. It was the way Kirari’ always looked at Sayaka: like she was the only one who mattered.
“Sayaka…” Kirari whispered, “You’re the only one that can hurt me. Don’t you see how precious that is?” Sayaka shook her head, apparently defeated.
“Igarashi, does Kirari seem to be suffering right now?” Terano asked.
Sayaka answered automatically, still lost in her distress.
“No. She seems more at peace now than she ever did.”
“Then what-”
“Is it the lack of power? We can get it back from them.” Kirari assured.
The girl shook her eyes, and blushed. “Its not that. Its… I just wish I could have been the one that brought it. The peace.”
They both stared at her incredulously.
“Sayaka,” Kirari began, then stopped. Blue eyes shot to Terano warily, as though she did not wish to continue with Terano here. Terano didn’t move. She needed Yumi for that. She saw Kirari hesitate, then shook her head as she strode back over to Sayaka. Terano watched as Kirari cupped Sayaka’s cheek, lifting the girl’s focus back to her. “Sayaka, from the moment we met nearly everything that has happened has been because of you.”
Dark brows knit in confusion.
“You gave me an identity separate from Ririka, as you were something that couldn’t be shared. Your strong emotions taught me how to recognize them in others. It taught me how to console you, even if I loved to see your distress. Your penchant for trouble taught me what it means to protect.”
It sounded like lies to her ears, but Terano supposed in a warped Mombami way, it was true. Sending Ririka away had protected her sister from the Elder’s wrath. She had flaunted Sayaka, and then fiercely punished Clan members who took notice.
“I was able to embrace myself, and now, because of you, I now get along with my favorite cousin again. I… I grew because of you. Sayaka… I love you.”
Terano watched, utterly stunned as Sayaka’s brows rose in surprise. Now happy tears fell freely as she buried her face back into Kirari’s shoulder. Kirari looked dotingly down at Sayaka, and wrapped the girl in her arms. Her cousin’s pale cheeks were surprisingly pink. It was a tender moment to be sure, but Terano could not help but frown in confusion.
“Wait… was that the first time you said it?” Terano balked. The glare Kirari shot her was more telling than anything.
“Kirari!” she scolded
“I think we’re done here.” Kirari hummed, and practically waltzed Sayaka out of the doors without so much as a goodbye. Terano rubbed at her temples, suddenly very tired. She knew this will not be the last time something like this will happen. Yet… maybe that wasn’t so bad. Only time would tell.