Michiru, Autumn

This is more mini-fic than headcanon and is only tangentially related to autumn, BUT OH WELL
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“We do not cry in public, Michiru,” her mother had said on her first day of school, when the fear of the unknown had threatened to well up in her eyes. “You are a Kaioh.”
She’d put a hand on the small of Michiru’s back to fix her posture and sent her forth, more a wind up doll than a child. The other kids were wild, frizzy haired and careless. Michiru stayed contained. When the teachers said they were to finger paint their name tags, Michiru asked for a brush, and when they came around to write names over the paint Michiru’s was already there in careful blue lettering. She had been there to excel, to show off the tutoring her family had paid for. She was not there to learn, and most certainly not to make friends.

And now she hoped the exact opposite for her daughter.

“It’ll be okay, papa,” Himeka said, standing on tip toe as Haruka crouched to hug her. Her little Mary Janes were already scuffed at the toes from the walk there.

“Are you gonna be okay? You can call us if you need us.” Haruka’s tears left little wet dots in the shoulder of Himeka’s sweater.

“I’ll be fine, papa. Kimi’s in my class, remember? We ‘quested.”

“How are you so grown up already?” Haruka stood and wiped her eyes. “We’re gonna miss you so much.”

“I’ll miss you too, papa.” She turned to Michiru now. The confidence on her eyes gave way to vulnerability. Michiru crouched to meet her. “Will I be okay?” She whispered into her ear.

Michiru hugged her tight. “You’re going to be great, little bear.”

Himeka let out a little sob. Michiru stroked her hair. “We’re gonna be right here at the end of the day, and you can tell us all about your teachers and Kimi and all the other friends you make.”

“What if I don’t make any?”

“Then…” Michiru but back words about the other children not being worthy of her. “Then you’ll try again tomorrow. But you’ll always have us.”

Himeka nodded. Michiru gave her a kiss on her cheek and watched she ran to find Kimi.

“You’re crying,” Haruka said, taking her hand.

Michiru laughed. “I am.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry in public before.”

Michiru leaned into her. “It’s been a long time. But this is worth it.”