-----Kaede's POV
"I'm so happy." I had planned on looking for her when I got back, but to think she would be right there when we returned was unexpected. I've been looking for Yui all this time, for so long, but now that she's in my arms like this, it sort of feels more like a dream than reality, however the warmth from her body spreading across mine tells me otherwise. I have no idea how long we've been like this now. Suddenly I could hear her breathing softly as her breath tickles my ear.
Kaede: "Hey, that tickles-"
Yui: "Zzz... zzz"
Did she fall asleep on me? Now that I think about it, her body does feel a bit limp and her breathing is much more relaxed than before when we were crying.
?: "Uhm. Kaede?"
I look up to see someone I did not know however she knew my name. If I remember correctly I think she was the one by Yui's side before we became like this.
Kaede: "Yes. Are you with Yui?"
?: "M-my name is Luna. I'm Ell- Yui's childhood friend."
I remained on my knees with Yui still clinging to me in her sleep as we talk. Yui sure does seem worn out...
Kaede: "Thank you for taking care of her. I'm glad she managed to make friends in this world."
I thanked her, however I was seriously jealous of Luna. If I was to be reborn in her place and switched places I could of met Yui a long time ago. Even more so being called a childhood friend? Since when? How many years have they known each other? I found myself holding onto Yui more firmly in my embrace.
Luna: "She talked about you all the time. Sometimes she would even cry in her sleep, speaking in that language you two know that I could tell she was dreaming of you."
She began to smile as she elaborated more about her relationship with Yui. She takes a peak at Yui who was now resting her head on my shoulder.
Luna: "Actually this is the first time I've seen her look like this in her sleep."
The smile on her face grew more as she looked genuinely happy of this situation. I can't help but take this time to look around to see that Sicily, Lillian and Mell were together staring at us in silence, not wanting to disturb us... "Wait a minute..."
Kaede: "What do you mean by that?"
Luna: "Eh?"
Kaede: "You said that you watch her sleep. What's your relationship with Yui?"
Luna: "Ah! I-it's nothing really. We share a dorm room together at school so when I wake up, sometimes I get to see her sleeping is all."
I found myself becoming weary of this Luna person, but at least she comes across as genuine, I don't sense any bad intentions. But that still doesn't make my heart happy that she's been like this with Yui this whole time.
Sicily: "Hi there~ I'm Sicily. A friend of Kaede's lover is a friend of mine."
Luna: "Oh uh. Nice to meet you. My name's Luna Warridge."
As if Sicily could make a read on the situation, she goes to distract Luna from me, leaving me to concentrate on what's in front of me, or in this case in my arms. My tears were all dried up at this point but I could still feel them ready to flow back out at anytime, like a loaded bullet inside a gun. I don't want to let her go.
Lillian: "I'm Sicily's sister, Lillian. Nice to meet you."
Everyone began introducing themselves as I remained focused on Yui, playing around with her hair in between my fingers as she nestles into me, getting more comfortable.
Mell: "I-I'm Mell. Kaede's... Kaede's daughter."
What did I just hear? Hearing that sudden declaration, I switch my focus back on the group as I look over to Mell. Daughter? Didn't she say she still had a mother? Seeing Sicily and Lillian not correcting her makes this all feel worse as if they also accept this outlandish declaration.
Luna: "Eh?~"
Lillian: "She rescued her. Kaede's more so like her adoptive mother."
Mell: "Mmm!"
Luna: "I-I see..."
Thank god Lillian spoke up. I didn't want some complications come up between Yui and Luna. I didn't want Yui to think I went and had a child of my own, especially now that we've finally reunited.
Sicily: "Hey... Kaede? It's getting a little cold out don't you think? Why not take her inside?"
I've been so used to the cold that I didn't realize it was starting to get a little dark. Also now that I think about it, Yui's now clenching on tighter around me with her body starting to quiver slightly.
Kaede: "Mmm. I'll take her inside-"
Luna: "Ah-"
Standing up with Kaede wrapped around me, almost in a bridal style, Luna spoke up only to stop in her sentence.
Kaede: "What?"
Luna: "No. Nevermind. Just that we have a curfew at the academy so- But nevermind that! We have tomorrow off so I'm sure this'll be fine."
Hearing Luna wanting to take Yui away from me back to the academy only makes me dislike her more. I've already made up my mind that I won't be letting Yui go, not again. However hearing that they go to school, I do know that I'll have to do that soon. The thought of having to let her go scares me.
Luna: "It's okay. I can head back to the academy myself... T-take care of Yui for me."
Thinking about it some more, I feel like I'm being quite mean towards Luna. If what she said is all true then maybe it would be better for Luna to stick with us. I wouldn't want Yui to feel bad about leaving Luna alone-
Sicily: "Why not stay here with us for the night?"
Luna: "A-uhm."
She looks over to me as if seeking approval. I had just made up my mind so I agree with Sicily that she should stay for the night, nodding my head.
Luna: "Then I'll be in your care."
Yui: "Mmm~"
Yui now holding tighter around me as she fidgets around in her sleep, wrapping her arms tighter around my neck. I do my best to keep her in a comfortable position but it'll be better if we just hurry up inside now.
Kaede: "Lets all get inside"
I say in a more quiet tone to everyone as we all finally get back inside the inn.
Lillian goes to explain the situation to the innkeeper as we make our way upstairs. I lead Luna to the bedroom where Jacob was staying, but since he's heading to the castle with the guard she could use this bedroom instead.
Kaede: "We don't have much room in the other bedroom. Will you be fine here?"
Luna: "Yes. Thank you Kaede."
To my surprise, she bowed to me. I haven't seen that gesture in this world as it left me a bit startled. Maybe Yui rubbed off some of our old customs onto her. Thinking that, I can't help but giggle a little.
She heads into the room as the rest of us go back to enter the large bedroom we have reserved for us. I gently try to move Yui from me onto the bed, however her grip on me was strong as she didn't look like she was letting go. Looking to my side, I could see the others were smiling away at the sight of me struggling so instead, I climb into bed with Yui in my arms. "God she's too cute like this..."
I shuffle her body around to get her into a more comfortable state on the bed before wrapping my arms around her waist with her arms still around my neck, however her grip around has now loosened up a bit now that I could finally see her face to face. Getting a better look at her, she surprisingly looks similar to how she looked in our old world similar to me as her breathing tickles my cheeks.
Sicily: "Hehe. Seems like she was the one that found you instead."
Kaede: "Mmm. She beat me to it."
Lillian: "What's the plan now?"
Kaede: "I'm... I'm not sure now. I was going to take her to Azalea, hopefully with you guys as well. But after hearing about her being in an academy, I'm not so sure now."
Sicily: "Yeah Luna did say something like that huh. Well whatever you decide Kaede, we're with you. Right Mell?"
Mell: "Ah- Mmm!"
I could more or less figure out Mell's behavior. Seeing someone else cling onto me like this, even sleeping in the same bed as me as if Yui is taking her place must be tough. "Sorry Mell, but for tonight I'd like Yui to myself." Thinking that, Yui began to shuffle around before pressing up closer against me into my chest. This warmth... I bring her closer into me, indulging in her warmth as I close my eyes, our bodies pressed up against each other. I wasn't tired in the slightest, but feeling Yui like this almost feels like she's casting some sort of spell on me. It's quite stimulating being in this position but I didn't want to try anything, especially when she's asleep so instead I close my eyes, enjoying the pleasure.
Lillian: "Why don't you sleep with us tonight Mell? We should give them some alone time."
Mell: "Okay"
Sicily: "You'll always be able to hug Kaede when we wake up hehe"
Mell: "Mmm!"
Thank you guys. My thoughts seems to have entered their minds as when I go to open my eyes slightly, I see Mell went to join Sicily and Lillian on their bed with Mell in between the both of them. She looked comfy with them as they began to settle down and upon seeing that, I close my eyes once again, gently gliding my fingers along Yui's back as she sleeps against me.