Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Forty-Five

"You survived the awakening," he mentioned as if that's supposed to explain everything. 

"Well, then I expect you all to open up a little. You did promise me." She ran her hand through his hair knowing it would calm him down to the point of falling asleep. "Then give me my book." She hasn't spoken the last word, or she holds her book in her hands. "Is your homework done?" 

"Yes." 

"Still using that trick?" She knew he would understand what she was talking about. 

Shu nodded. "Definitely, because I'm swarmed in essays otherwise." He felt rather comfortable with his head on her stomach, which allowed him to hear her heartbeat. 

"Oi, don't go hogging her all for yourself." Ayato was taken away. 

"When you want to do the same, I don't think so, Ayato-kun." 

Reiji came in but not without knocking. "At least I know from you that your homework is done. If you do fall asleep, Chisana, set your alarm." 

"Not with this book, Reiji, and I really hope to continue with the next volume." She smiled back at him. "However, I need to finish this one first." 

Watching his brother with his head on her stomach, Reiji didn't like it. "Don't you have something better to do? You are back in class, so I hear." Having a quick word with his brother's sensei, he did learned that his grades are picking up fast. Together with turning in the essays. 

"You're a real pain, you know." Shu looked at Chisana and disappeared. 

*** 

Hearing something she can't place, Chisana goes to the living room. Should I curse those enhanced senses yet? I don't think that's wise, after all, the men here are used to it, since they have it all their lives. It might be a little different for me, howbeit I could come over as whining and complaining, and I don't want that. Close to the door, she picked up on a presence. One she didn't know because she's getting better at picking up on the presence of the brothers. Going inside, she found someone facing the fireplace. Wait, I know... It's like all the air was lacking and a shiver went through her body, settling in her hear. Her heart skipped a beat, and she got closer. "Dad?" 

Turning around, Masaki recognized his daughter. "I'm sorry, Chisana." 

Her mouth slightly agape, she gasped before the floor started sweeping under her feet. "Are you... are you real?" He is alive! What mom said was true?! Why didn't you... 

"I am, yes." Masaki saw her eyes turn away and the small misstep. 

Reiji heard the confirmation and wasted no time to get to the living room, which was just on time to catch Chisana so she wouldn't hit the floor. "Couldn't you give us a heads-up first?" He carried her over to the couch. "Just because we had a theory that you were alive and a demon, doesn't mean you can teleport inside and hope for a happy reunion." 

"I know that." Masaki did noticed the gentle way how the man laid her down on the couch. "I had no idea that she found her way to you, or the supernatural world. Why isn't she with Yoshi and Seiko?" 

Reiji shook his head. "I can be here for the conversation, but your daughter deserves some answers first. She'll come to in a few moments. Stay with her, and I'll go get us some tea and an aspirin for her." 

*** 

Gaining consciousness, Chisana picked up on a different presence besides Reiji. I guess I got familiar with Reiji's presence fast. Then again, how can I not, since I do spend more time with him than the others. She let out a quiet moan before opening her eyes.