Knock. Knock.
The door cracked open.
Hinami's face peeked out, wide-eyed for a second....and then pure, radiant joy lit up her features.
"Onii-chan!"
Before I could even react, she flew out and crashed into me with a soft thump, clutching at my jacket like she was afraid I'd vanish again.
I ruffled her hair gently. "I'm back, Little Hina." Her arms squeezed tighter before she pulled away, grabbing my hand.
Behind her, the warm, familiar scent of simmering stew drifted from the kitchen. The low clatter of utensils, the quiet bubbling of broth...
Standing by the stove, her back to me, hair loosely tied up, apron draped over her slender frame. She hadn't noticed yet — too lost in her cooking, humming softly.
"Mom! Mom, he's back!!" she called excitedly over her shoulder.
Ryouko froze mid-stir, her spoon clinking against the side of the pot.
With soft footsteps approaching, Ryouko appeared at the threshold, wiping her hands on a towel.
Our eyes met, for a moment,
Her lips parted slightly, and there was a soft, stunned look in her eyes. As if part of her hadn't dared to believe I would come back.
If it was me standing there.
Then, almost hesitantly, she smiled.
Not wide. Not bursting with happiness, but... genuine and heavy.
"Welcome back....Grey," she said, voice quieter than I remembered.
I nodded, stepping inside as Hinami tugged me towards the table.
I caught Ryouko's gaze again as I passed her.
There was relief there, but deeper...just under the surface... I saw it.
Fear.
Doubt.
She hid it well....years of surviving had taught her that, but it was there.
That small part of her heart is still asking:
"Is he really here for us? Or just passing through?"
"Is he really the man I hope he is… or the monster the world says he is?"
It wasn't her fault.
The world was cruel enough to teach even the kindest souls to doubt.
I sat at the table, letting Hinami chatter about how she had "saved me some stew" and how she had "been good and studied every day."
Ryouko moved around the kitchen silently, putting food onto plates.
Her hands were steady, and her smile was polite, but she wouldn't quite meet my eyes.
I watched her for a long moment, feeling the weight settle in my chest.
Hinami placed a bowl in front of me proudly. "Eat up! You must be starving!"
I smiled and ruffled her hair again. "Thanks, princess."
I picked up my spoon and started eating. The stew was simple, hearty, and perfect.
Each bite tasted like something I hadn't realized I missed....not the food itself, but what it represented.
A place to return to.
A Home.
Later That Night,
The house was warm with the scent of stew and rice lingering in the air. The dishes clinked softly as Ryouko cleaned up at the sink, her movements careful, precise.
Hinami was already curled up on the couch, a soft blanket around her shoulders, dozing off as the television played a low-volume cartoon.
I leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching.
She was trying to look normal.
Trying to act as if tonight was just another ordinary night.
But I can see the difference, the slight tension in her shoulders and the tiny tremors in her hands when she thought no one was watching.
I stepped closer.
"Ryouko-san."
She didn't seem to hear me at first, lost in thought.
I moved beside her and gently touched her hand.
She flinched.
It was a split-second reaction.
She caught herself immediately, guarding her expression into a soft smile as she wiped her hands on a towel.
"Sorry, I...you startled me."
Her voice was even, but wasn't right...
I stared at her for a moment, feeling a heavy weight settle in my chest.
But I didn't push it.
If she needed time, I'd give it.
I kept my hands casually in my pockets, stepping back slightly to give her breathing room.
"Actually... I was just here to ask if we're running low on meat supplies." I said lightly, "If we are, I'll go stock up tomorrow."
She nodded, grateful for the simple topic.
"That would be...nice. Thank you, Grey."
I gave her a small nod and turned away, letting her have her space.
She finished drying the dishes in silence, then excused herself early for the night, claiming she was a little tired.
On the Rooftop,
I lay on the sloped roof of the house, arms under my head as I stare at the starry sky.
I sighed quietly, feeling the cool night air brush against my skin.
'What should I do about her..?'
The last thing I want is for her to fear me.
I closed my eyes briefly, trying to figure out the right way to bridge that distance.
Lost in thought, I barely noticed the soft shuffling behind me until a familiar presence plopped down beside me.
I opened my eyes and turned slightly.
Hinami, wrapped in her oversized pajama top, was sitting cross-legged next to me with a sleepy smile.
"You're not sleeping either, Onii-chan?"
I chuckled, ruffling her hair.
"Couldn't sleep. Just thinking as it's peaceful up here."
She nodded seriously. "I come here sometimes too...when mom was late. It feels safe."
Safe.
That word meant more to me than she realized.
I patted her head lightly. "Shouldn't you be in bed? It's way past your bedtime, little miss trouble."
She pouted.
"Nuh-uh! I still have thirty minutes left! And besides, you sound just like Mom...nagging."
I laughed softly, as I resumed my gaze...
We sat there in comfortable silence for a few minutes, until Hinami's voice broke through, more serious.
"...Mom's scared."
I glanced at her, but she wasn't looking at me. She was staring at the stars, her expression thoughtful.
"I've seen her be brave before. Even when Dad died, she was strong."
"But this... this kind of fear is different."
I stayed silent, letting her speak.
"If you want her to feel safe again… you have to show her something she's never had. Something real. Not just protecting us from Nightmares, but...giving her something from her dreams."
I turned fully toward her now, curious.
Hinami smiled, a little shy.
"Mom always wanted to go to a festival. A real one. But she never could. It's too dangerous as it usually happens in Lower Wards."
She shifted, fiddling with the hem of her pajama top.
"Take her to the Tenjin Matsuri. The big fireworks festival. She's never seen fireworks before..."
I blinked at her. Honestly, I hadn't expected that.
"You're... more mature than your age, Little Hina."
She puffed up proudly.
"Of course! I'm super mature! Smarter than most adults!"
I smirked.
"Hmm...maybe. But you're still the same Little Hina who tries to sneak sweets before dinner."
"hey, hey, hey!... Let's not talk loudly about it now," she shot back indignantly.
We both chuckled, the easy banter smoothing the lingering weight from earlier.
After a while, Hinami's head drooped, her small body swaying slightly.
I caught her gently before she could topple over, smiling as she mumbled something incoherent. I lifted her in my arms and carried her back inside.
The house was silent, the world outside shut out.
I entered her room, laying her down softly next to Ryouko.
She stirred slightly, instinctively shifting to wrap an arm protectively around her daughter.
I stood there for a moment, just watching them.
I took a deep breath as I reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from Ryouko's face.
She smiled quietly in her sleep, the tension slipping from her brow for a moment.
I leaned in, muttering under my breath,
"I'll make you happy. I promise."
Then, turning away, I strolled back to the living room and stretched out on the couch, letting sleep finally catch up.