I'm Not Afraid of the Dark (Yuto x Reader)

Chapter 13

On the way to your house you are silent, trying desperately to piece together some sort of coherent speech so that you have at least something prepared, but the walk is a blur and you soon find yourself in front of the door without a single sentence ready.

Yuto's comforting hand on your shoulder brings you back down to Earth.

"It's okay to be nervous, (y/n). But, you do realise that it's likely not going to be as bad as you may think."

You can't help but doubt him.

"Are you sure that you don't want me to come in with you?"

You had already been over this many times, but he still tried anyway. The plan was that you dealt with your mum and reported back to Yuto and Shun later. That way Shun couldn't do anything rash, and the privacy of the subject was still kept intact.

"No." You hate how weak you sound.

Signalling to Yuto that he could leave, and taking a last steadying breath, you finally work up the courage to knock. Once. Twice.

For a moment, you think no one is home, but then the door opens and you suck in a breath. There was no going back now.

Your mother looks... pretty bad. Most of the usual signs of worry are there: dark shadows under the eyes, mussed hair and sunken, yet still fretful expression. Maybe Yuto was right about her genuinely caring for you in some way or another.

With all that has happened, you should expect the duel disk strapped to her forearm, but the device still comes as a surprise to you. It seems as though she were ready to come face to face with Obelisk when opening the door. You guess that it is a possibility.

It takes a moment for your mother to process the meaning of your presence, but then her worry gives way to relief and you find yourself wrapped up tightly in a rough hug. You feel your mother begin to shake, and you notice that it's because she is crying.

She lets out a shuddering sob, and you gently, yet sternly pry her arms from around you. While her relief does touch you, you don't know if you can deal with this much emotion without breaking down yourself. You haven't even made it through the door yet.

Taking one of her hands, you lead your mother through the door, closing it behind you, and sit her down at the kitchen table. After another couple of minutes, she has finally managed to control the more violent sobs enough to be able to speak.

"(y-y/n)? Is it really y-you? Have you c-c-come home?" She says it so softly, as if afraid to hear the answer.

"Yes. But I'm only staying if you give me answers, okay?" You flinch slightly at the ice in your voice.

"(y/n)..."

"I need an answer." You try to soften your tone. She was worried sick.

"Please. I need your answer first." You don't like the sound of it, but you give a hesitant nod anyway.

"Do you hate me?" She looks up at you then with red-ringed eyes that hold only - understanding, honest understanding. You have to look away. After, no, because of all that she's done, she understands it if you hate her. A sharp pain strikes your chest. You ignore it, remembering your 'dream', and everything that has happened in the last week. You have your answer. It is ready on the tip of your tongue as you open your mouth in response.

"No."

Your eyes grow wide in shock. That wasn't what you had meant to say! But as you let your rage subside, you realise that it is the truth. While she wasn't perfect, this broken woman before you was still your mother, and you could never hate her, especially after how much she has changed. What you hated was the old her, the Fusion her, who experimented on you and lied to you and took your memories. Well, the last two are technically still her, but you find yourself remembering all the times that she was a good mother as well. One who protected you, and loved you.