The Snow Ashikabi

Changing Tides

"Matsu, you can put your stuff in my car! It should be parked outside. It's a purple Nissan Sukairain," I say as Matsu comes out of the house carrying computer monitors. 

I look over to Miya as I give her a polite bow. "Thank you so much for your hospitality! If Uzume shows up, can you please tell her to wait here for me? I should be back in a few days to see if she showed up." 

She gives me a warm smile, "It was my pleasure, Shirayuki-san. Please take good care of Matsu and don't worry, I shall relay your message to Uzume." 

"Thank you, and I will." 

As I finish saying that I glance over to the doorway to see Matsu and Haruhime are still moving in and out of the house, hypnotizing me with their Sekirei curves as they do so. Musubi had volunteered to help with the moving, to make it go by faster, so she was bringing stuff down too. Her curves are mesmerizing as well, but alas she's not my Sekirei.

" Adju- Saya," comes a soft tone of voice which causes me to look at its source. "Thank you. I'm glad that I could see you again. I hope everything works out for you and your friends. " 

"You're welcome, Yashima, and thank you." I smile at her in a loving way. "I'm glad you found someone nice. I know you were always afraid of finding someone who was mean, but Minato is a good person. You'll be safe with him, just as he will be safe with you, plus you have Ku and Musubi."

It's then that I feel tugging on my leg. I look down to see Ku pulling on my pants. She stares up at me with a look of sadness, and I instantly knew what she was going to say. "Saya-onee-san, do you have to go?"

I get down on my knees to be eye level with Ku. I look her in the eyes as I give her a warm smile.  "Yes, Ku-chan but don't worry. I will make sure to come and visit you." I put my hand on her head and ruffle her long golden locks. "Now, be a good girl, help Musubi and Yashima protect your new big brother. Can you promise me you'll do that?"

She hugs me as she says, "Yes, Saya-onee-san, I promise." 

 “Saya," Matsu's voice comes from behind me. "I'm finished." 

"Good," I say as Ku releases me from the hug, allowing me to stand back up from my position on the ground. "Have you said your goodbyes?"

"Not yet." She turns to her lavender-haired friend and former landlady. “Thank you for everything, Miya."

Miya reaches for Matsu, taking her into a hug. The pair stay there silently in each other's embrace for a moment before Miya breaks the silence. “Stay safe, Matsu." 

"Don't worry, Miya, I will."

When Matsu is released from the hug she turns to look at Minato. She pulls him in close and whispers something in his ear. I don't hear what it is, but whatever she said causes Minato to blush as he quickly backs away from her. "Matsu I… I…"

Mutsu snickers before saying, "Relax, I'm only kidding." Her eyes disappear behind her glasses as the sunlight reflects off them. "Or am I? ''

This causes Minato to blush even harder. Judging by that reaction, whatever she said probably went against Miya's rules. But she didn't say anything, maybe she was being nice because Matsu was no longer a resident of the Inn.

Matsu then turns to me. "Come on, Saya, let's go!"

She walks to my car without another word, then opens the door and gets in the back seat on the driver’s side. I walk over to my car, and open the door. I look back and wave to everyone. As I get in, my Sekirei are sitting there waiting for me. Akitsu has taken the seat on the front passenger side, with Haruhime behind her.