Fitting Back Together

Cracks

A/N: so this is turning out to be pretty Yumiko-centric fic which isn't what I originally planned but I think it's kind of necessary since the sequel to Conflict Resolution is pretty Magna-centric.

so you've probably guessed by how slow updates are in coming that my health is still getting worse. My cognitive function has deteriorated so much and is only continuing to do so. Which is. . . honestly the most devastating thing that's ever happened to me. My good days now are what my bad days used to be and they're only happening 1-3 times a month. Given that each month is worse than the last it's very worrying. I hate that this happened just when I started writing a lot again. I have so many plans for my yumagna fics and hundreds of thousands worth of extremely rough draft scenes that might end up going to waste. Illness has taken everything from me but I never thought it would take my ability to write. Honestly just praying for a miracle at this point.

I want to thank you all for the comments you leave. They mean so much to me, especially during these times.

. . .

They hadn't even made it more than a few steps before the plan to get her brother home met one major obstacle.

That obstacle being Tomi himself.

"You're really not going to tell me what happened between you two?"

Yumiko withheld a sigh. "Maybe when you're sober."

Maybe in your dreams.

She took another step, trying to move them towards the exit - but was no match for the resistance she encountered. Gritting her teeth, she tried again.

This had been so much easier back when they were teenagers and she'd been the taller one.

Curse that bloody growth spurt he'd gone through at the end of high school.

"She didn't cheat, did she?"

Yumiko stopped short. "What? No."

The idea was absurd. Magna may have hurt her - profoundly - but Yumiko knew she would never hurt her like that. Never.

"Good, because I'd challenge her to a duel in your honor. . . but I'm not sure I'd win that fight."

"You definitely wouldn't win that fight."

Though it would certainly present an amusing sight.

(she might even have to borrow Connie's camera)

"Mm." Tomi's brow furrowed. "Does she know fencing? I'm very good at fencing. One might even say brilliant."

Yumiko had to take a moment to picture the scenario her brother had just painted. Found her mouth curling treacherously at the look that would surely adorn Magna's face when she realized what she would have to wear - and that her 'sword' was about as lethal as a toothpick, less than.

Bit back a laugh.

(she would definitely have to borrow Connie's camera)

". . . I don't think it's her area of expertise."

"Wonderful. Let's do that."

Yumiko rolled her eyes. "She didn't cheat on me, Tomi."

"You can't blame me for being suspicious. What, with your taste in women-"

"It was one woman. And Magna's nothing like her," Yumiko said, unable to stop herself from stiffening reflexively at the mention of Nicole.

"I'm glad to hear it."