Yaki's rambles

“Makotochan…you said you had kabuki tickets. This is not kabuki!!” Yui growled with a half glare toward the taller woman.

Makoto herself looked slightly guilty pressing her index fingers together. “Well Minachan said it was the only way to get you to come here.”

Yui raised an eyebrow, “I don’t appreciate being lied to. Nor tricked into going to something I’m not a fan of.”

“But The Lights are your friends too, shouldn’t you support them?” Minako chirped in.

“That may be true.” she paused crossing her arms, trying to keep her composure.” However, that doesn’t mean I have to like their music.”

Both of the two girls looked at Yui now rater mischievously, “Then how do you support them Yuichan? Do you buy any of their merchandise?”

“No. I pray to Saraswati to let them have a good concert.”

Both sighed in disappointment hearing her answer.

“What? It’s good to have her blessings!” Yui stated with a pout.

The three remained silence after that, it being broken by screaming fans of The Lights. Yui groaned covering her ears.  ‘Even Lord Ganesh’s poor ears would hurt from all this shrieking! Are they trying to summon demons with that wailing?!’ She thought to herself.

The screaming toned down when the boys arrived onto the stage. Their outfits all black with different colored vests and ties.  Yaten’s was green with a yellow lotus pin attached to the top of the left side. Seiya’s was blue with a pink lotus also attached to the left side. Taiki’s was purple with a white lotus his too was on the left.

Taiki paused mid-step, seeing Yui, their eyes locking for a moment. He was certainly not expecting to see her at their concert of all places. Gathering his thoughts he went to his place on the stage. The other two smirked silently to themselves noticing his pause.

Seiya spoke up, “While we do have some new songs. I figured we could at least start with an old song so you all can into The Three Lights vibe.”

Their music then began, a deep passion coming from their vocals. Yui’s eyes looked toward the ground it was their popular song from two years ago.

“No…not this song.” She muttered.

“Yuichan?” Minako whispered.

“…I don’t like this song at all.” She replied.

“Why? It’s so pretty.”

Yui’s brows furrowed. “Can’t you feel their pain in the song?”

Minako sighed, she knew after knowing their true form. But the source of their sorrow was nice and safe at home.  Yet it could still affect people that truly listened. She put a comforting hand on Yui’s shoulder seeing Yui’s tears. “It should be over shortly. And then you’ll hear their new and hopefully less sad stuff!”

Sure enough as Minako said it was over, much to Yui’s relief.  She wiped away what remained of her tears.  She jumped when the guitar started playing rather loudly. She was defiantly too use to hearing their more soft ballads. She frowned finding her toes tapping to the beat.

“Yuichan are you liking a Three Lights song?” Makoto teased seeing Yui now subconsciously swaying her hips.

Yui stopped mid-sway grumbling to herself, “No. the guitar is just good. That’s all.”

Makoto only giggled and playfully elbowed Yui. “Ooo Taiki can’t keep his eyes off you.”

Curiosity getting the best of her she looked back up at the stage.  Their eyes meet again. Once they did all other sounds seemed to fall deaf to her save for his guitar and vocals. She felt heat rising to her cheeks as her heart skipped a beat.

Suddenly she felt dizzy, her vision going double, then black, breaking whatever hold they had on one another. Minako caught her before she fell to the ground.

“Yuichan?!” Minako cried, fanning Yui with the program.

Makoto began fanning her as well. “…What do you think caused this? Did she lock her knees?”

Minako shook her head, “Not that I could tell.”

The brunet frowned and then looked over to the boys, whom had stopped seeing Yui faint.

“Sorry for the pause, but we need to take a quick intermission.” Yaten stated, getting a few groans and boos from the audience.

-------

“Taiki did you do something?” Seiya asked while in their dressing room.

He shook his head, “Not that I’m aware of. I just know…we connected.”

“Connected? Like with how Seiya did with Usagi 2 years ago?” Yaten asked.

“No, this was different. I wasn’t telling her anything.”  Taiki answered sitting down with a sigh. “It was like she was inspiring me through our connection.”

Seiya put his hand to his chin thinking for a moment, “Anything else happened in this connection?”

“I felt happy.” Taiki answered a light blush on his cheeks.  “I don’t recall feeling so happy before.”

Yaten smiled, “Well probably helps that you like her. Perhaps your passion for her is what made you so happy in this connection. But perhaps you should be more careful clearly the connection must have overwhelmed her. She is only human after all.”

“I…don’t even know how I did it.” Taiki stated with another sigh looking up at the ceiling.

“Anyways we should head back out there before the fans get riled up.” Seiya suggested.

-----------

Yui’s eyes fluttered open to see worried looks from Minako and Makoto. “…What happened?”

Minako sighed with relief, “That’s what we want to know. You were just starting at Taiki then boom! You were out like…a light.”

Yui frowned, “I have no idea to be honest.  I just recall hearing him sing louder than anything else. Then I felt dizzy”

“You sure you’re okay?” Makoto asked.

“I’m fine now. Really! Maybe just a little tired at best.” Yui replied with a yawn. She pulled out her phone noticing the time, “No wonder it’s almost 11pm.”

That caused the other two to laugh, now knowing she really was okay for the moment.  Before more could be said the boys returned finishing their concert about a few hours later. By that time Yui looked completely drained.

“Come on Yuichan. Once we at least say hi we can take you home okay?” Makoto stated.

“Fine. But I’m sleeping in the car on the way back to Minako’s house.”

“That’s fine.”

------------

“Hey girls!” Seiya greeted gleefully. He frowned slightly seeing no sign of Usagi.

“Sorry Seiya. Usagi had to work at the game shop.” Minako said.

“Oh. Boo. She could have at least texted me.”

Yaten rolled his eyes, “You’ll see her tomorrow for your date.”

Yui yawned leaning on Makoto waving to the boys. Taiki at least went over to her.

“You okay from earlier?”

“I’m fine really!”

He frowned lightly caressing her chin. “You look exhausted.”

“It’s just past my bedtime that’s all. “ She replied with a lazy wave of the hand as if dismissing his worry way.

He lightly chuckled, “You’re adorable.”

“I am not. Just sleepy.” She retorted with a frown.

The others couldn’t help giggling and chucking at her attempted sass.

Taiki only smiled putting his hand back to his side. “I’m relieved you’re okay. Sleepy or not.”

“You’re sweet for worrying so much over little me.” Yui stated going on tip toe and kissing his cheek.  His eyes widened and cheeks went pink.

“Haha! I made you blush.” She said with a little victory sign then a giggle. “Looks like you now owe me one less blush.”

Taiki stared at her, “You mischievous woman. Was that your goal?”

“Nope.” She replies sticking out her tongue playfully, “Just a bonus.”

Yaten couldn’t help laughing seeing their little game. “You know Yui sticking out your tongue like that can mean a form of flirting in some places.”

Yui’s eyes widened and caused her to immediately having her tongue retreat back into her mouth.  Her cheeks lightly pink.

Taiki lightly poked her cheek, with a teasing smile. “Is this going to become a new game? Cause if so I’m quite a head of you.”

She scowled, “I’ll bite that finger.”

“Oh?” He got slightly closer, “Careful Yuichan. I might like that for all you know.”

Minako lightly elbowed Yaten, “That was mean. She doesn’t know you we were teasing.”

Yaten only shrugged with a smile. “So? It got them to break the ice a little more.”

She sighed putting her hands on her hips eyeing him. “You’re terrible.”

“Oh you know you like it.” He retorted with his own playfully smile.

Makoto rolled her eyes, “If you four are done flirting we should get to Minako’s house before her parents get upset.”

“That’s a good idea.” Minako stated, going over to Yui. “Come on sleepyhead. You can flirt with your prince later.”

She looked back at Yaten, “And you behave yourself.”

“Don’t I always?” Yaten retorted.

Laughter could be heard from two boys in masks. The shorter of the two had a peacock themed mask while the slightly taller had one moon themed the same shade of blue as the night. Their tall brunet companion had one that had two other faces on it.

“I’m glad none of the fans have recognized us. It’s a nice break.” Yaten stated with another little chuckle.

“I wonder if the girls will show up too. I know I defiantly look forward to seeing Usagi all dressed up.” Seiya replied.

Taiki rolled his eyes not wanting to do small talk of such things. It wasn’t like he had anyone of interest like they did. Only friends came to mind. His eyes glanced around the crowd with boredom hoping to find someone that he could talk or at least dance with. Though he felt he’d rather be studying for the upcoming exam.

“Taiki, if you’re bored go dance with that girl over there. No one’s asked her to dance yet.” Yaten stated gesturing to a short woman in white.

Her dress flowed to the floor like petals. Wings spread out from the back. Her mask was that of a swan with a lotus shaped crown.  Her blonde hair was wrapped up into a bun. She seemed to be lost in her own little world listening to the music.

Taiki walked over to her She jumped startled from her thoughts at his approach.  He smiled and offered his hand. “May I have this dance my lady?”

She hesitantly nodded taking his hand. His eyes widened as he felt a strange familiarity at her touch.  Shaking his head he led her to the dance floor beginning to dance. The blonde was thankful for her mask that night. Her cheeks felt like there were on fire as they dance. Yet she couldn’t take her eyes away from him nor he her.

A squeak escaped her when she accidently stepped on his foot. He let out a startled grunt, but continued the dance.  Her smile dispersed when the music stopped she wasn’t expecting the dance to end so quickly.

He lead her back to where she had been before, to his surprise she looked sad when apart to part. A strange sensation of loneliness came to him when he released her hand. Puzzled he looked back to her now taking a moment to actually look at her. Gently he took her hand again kissing it gently.

“Tell me my lady, why have you not graced this room with your voice?” He asked.

She looked away embarrassed that she hadn’t spoken to him. Before she could try and say anything a tall brunette woman approached her. “Sorry Taiki, She can’t speak.  Her and Minako were doing karaoke all day yesterday so she ended up losing her voice. How Minako managed to keep her voice is beyond me.”

Taiki frowned looking to his dance partner, “You should take care of yourself better. Perhaps next time we meet I can hear your voice.”

“You have heard Taiki. That’s Yuichan!” Makoto stated with a giggle.

His eyes widened and looked back towards Yui. Now quite embarrassed he didn’t recognize a good friend. Yui made a silent giggle he returned her giggle with his own laughter.

“Come on Yuichan, it’s getting late and I know how you can’t stay up all night.” Makoto stated, gently guiding Yui away.  Taiki’s and Yui’s hands slipped away from one another. And just as the last of her fingertips left, the odd sensation of loneliness came upon him once more. His eyes never leaving Yui until she was out of sight. Then he looked at his hand the warmth of hers still lingered.

“…Why are you so familiar? And why do I suddenly feel sad when you’re away?” He muttered to himself.

The moonlight caught her hair making it twinkle like stardust in the warm breeze.  Little giggles of pure delight escaping her as she enjoyed the view.  His heart for some reason quickened as he gazed at her unable to move. His cheeks feeling warm as a smile came to his lips. His heart began beating even harder when she turned to look at him.

“Is something wrong Taikisan?” she inquired.

Words…could he even say words with what he saw?

“I…I’m fine. Don’t worry about it I just have a lot on my mind.” He stated at last.

Her smile faded into an unamused expression. “Taikisan…I can see the white lines in your aura. Don’t lie to me.”

He replied with a nervous smile, he had forgotten she could see that with her aura sight. “It’s nothing you need to worry yourself over. Just enjoy yourself.”

She went back to looking at the river the fireflies dancing everywhere. Water, seemed to be a common thing to appear whenever they were together. And thanks to her perfume it always smelt of lotus and patchouli with it. He was now quite fond of that scent combo thanks to her. For some reason it felt familiar giving the feeling of warmth and comfort. Much like the woman before him it in a way reflected the soothing aura she gave him.

What troubled him though is she always seemed to look so lonely, yet he seemed to always bring her back whenever she went far away into that state. Gently he took one of her hands from the bridge’s railing and began a little dance much to Yui’s surprise.

“The fireflies shouldn’t be the only ones allowed to dance.” He answered as if reading her thoughts.

Her cheeks tinted pink at being so close. She was far from a good dancer, but with him it didn’t seem to matter.  Even without music she found herself moving to a beat that matched Taiki’s. Their thundering heartbeats became the drums for their dance.

When their dance finished Yui was hesitant to break the contact between them. It felt just right being so close and so warm. She looked up at him their eyes meeting and locking. To Taiki’s surprise tears wear coming down her face.

“How…how can you manage to always make my loneliness fade away? Why is it only you can do this?” she asked.

“I couldn’t begin to tell you why.” He answered, for he honestly didn’t know.

He gently wiped away her tears when suddenly she took that same hand with one of her own nuzzling it. A light pink returned to his cheeks as he smiled. After she finished her nuzzling he began to move away only to be pulled back.

“Can we stay like this just a little longer…? You’re so warm.”  She stated.

He nodded and placed his jacket around her as he let her curl into his chest when they sat on the grass. They stayed like that for quite some time. She would always ask just a little longer when he suggested moving. He ended up chuckling in defeat after some time it was clear she didn’t want to move.

Eventually she fell asleep in his warmth much to the relief of his legs when he stood. Carefully he lifted her bridal style trying his best not wake her.  Much to his dismay the walk to the car ended up waking her slightly.

“Hmm where are we going Taikisan?” she asked sleepily.

“Home.” He answered.

Seeming satisfied with the answer she snuggled into him and went back to sleep.

He sighed; he would have a lot explaining to do to Seiya and Yaten bringing her back there. He would have gladly taken her back to her home, but he dare not leave her alone in that house, even if she was used to it.

*******

The morning came the sunlight waking Yui from her slumber. Her sleepy eyes looked around processing that it wasn’t her room. She looked over to the other side of the bed to her surprise saw a slumbering Taiki. A light blush came across her face and then a smile seeing how peaceful he was. He always seemed to bottle up things, which she didn’t like him doing.  Noticing a stray strand of hair she lightly brushed it out of his face. She smiled now satisfied.

I…almost feel like his wife waking up like this. Gah! What am I thinking?! I shouldn’t be thinking things like that especially when he’s only a friend! Is he only a friend…? Or is he more…after last night.

Her light purple eyes looked over to the sleeping Taiki once more. Her mind recalled the night before rather fondly. That was truly something lovers would do. She swore she didn’t feel that way…until that dance.  Was she starting to fall for the brunette that lay beside her?  A light smile curled her lips when she realized she didn’t care if she was.

Taiki staggered into the room his vision seeming to double. Oh what a headache he had. Trying to focus he headed towards the couch seeing Yui and Yaten going over something.

“You’re right it does work better as piano here. I’ll have to change that when I get home.” Yui stated looking at the sheet music and placing a sticky note on the part.

“What are you two going over?” Taiki asked

“A little project of mine.” Yui answered looking over at him. “Yaten’s helping me with the right tone for it since it’s been so long since I’ve written a song.”

The brunette pouted, “I could have helped you with that.”

Sweat beaded on the blonde’s face, “Well Seiya stated you weren’t feeling good so I asked Yaten instead. I didn’t want to trouble you with this.”

Yaten sighed, “You should go back to bed Taiki. You need all the rest you can get.”

“I agree with Yaten.  You look like you need it.” Yui said getting up to help motion him back towards his room.

He then flopped into her, leaning his head between her neck and shoulder. Yui’s cheeks went pink thanks to the close contact. “If Yuichan is my nurse I’ll get better a lot faster. “

“H-How would I even make a difference? I’d do nothing different from what Yaten or Seiya would do.” She stuttered.

“Are you truly that blind little Yuichan?” He inquired, with a little chuckle.

Yaten’s eyes widened at Taiki’s statement, the fever must’ve been higher than he and Seiya thought.  Especially with how honest he was being. Though it now confirmed their suspicion they had for months on how Taiki felt.

“Blind to what exactly?” Yui questioned in return, her cheeks growing brighter with his hot breath on her neck.

He moved his head away from where it had laid taking one of her hands into his placing it onto his chest. “This belongs to you.”

He then gently kissed the same hand looking up at her. To his surprise he saw tears tricking down her cheeks.

“I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He stated.

“Don’t apologize…I was just overwhelmed with joy it came out of my eyes.” Yui replied.”…No one has ever meant it when they said it to me before.”

Taiki only smiled kissing her cheek. “You should get to bed though mister. I will not have you stressing your body out with that high fever of yours.” She scolded.

Yaten couldn’t help chucking seeing the look of defiance Taiki tried giving her.

“I know of a good way to sweat out my fever Yuichan.” Taiki stated with a mischievous grin.

Another blush crept upon her cheeks again. “Ha. Not while you’re sick. Now to bed and I’ll at least bring you a cold patch.”

The brunette pouted, but obeyed. Yui sighed. “Is he always this open when sick?”

Another chuckle escaped Yaten, “Not really. Unless it’s a fever he’s pretty normal. “

Yui then looked at her hand smiling, “Do you think he’ll remember what he said?”

Yaten shrugged. “Who knows. If he doesn’t, don’t take it to heart. His feelings were genuine there so you do know what he feels, even if he doesn’t remember confessing. ” He put a hand on her shoulder, “If he does remember expect him to be a little more flirtatious.”

She nodded, “So are there cold patches in his room?”

“Yeah. They should be on his dresser.”

“Thanks. I think I’m going to go play nursemaid till I have to head home.”

The score board was something that was dreaded by nearly everyone, save for the overachievers. They seemed to love seeing where they placed hoping to top the class. With Taiki and Ami in the same class that was unlikely, though it didn’t stop some form trying just for the bragging rights. A loud groan came from the large group hovering over the board.  To no one’s surprise Taiki read number one and Ami number two.

Soon the coward parted so a petite blonde finally had the chance to see her own score.  Her feet going up ever so slightly, so she could get a better look.  She frowned at her placement.

“Number four again. Why must I get the unlucky number?” She grumbled to herself.

She didn’t mind being high on the charts, but getting the number of death was never pleasant. Her mood went even more downward when she saw her placement in math. 

“Twenty-eight!? Oh dear I’m worst at it than I thought. I thought I at least scored better than that. I even studied.” She groaned.

“Ah, Kurosan just the person I wanted to talk to.” A feminine voice stated.

The blonde turned, seeing no other than her math teacher. “What do you need of me Junko-sensei ?”

Beads of sweat were starting to build on Yui’s face, this teacher always made her nervous.

“With how your scores have been lately, I’m arranging for one of the other students to be your tutor. You can come out now.” Ms. Junko stated, motioning for someone to come forward. A very tall brunette now stood beside the older woman.

Sweat now dripped down one of Yui’s cheek, recognizing who was stating before her.  "Shit." Yui thought, "If the rest of the girls in class find out I’ll be eaten alive…Or worst they’ll try to convert me."

“Is something wrong Yui-san?” The brunette asked.

Yui waved her hands in front of her laughing nervously. “Nothing’s wrong at all. Just embarrassed you had to find out about my math issues.”

Taiki raised an eyebrow not buying her full story. “Well shall we arrange some good times to meet?”

“I’ll leave you two to discuss this in private.” And then the older woman was gone.

An auditable sigh escaped Yui, “I guess any day I’m not working would be good.  Now the issue is your house or mine.”

Taiki was silent for a moment thinking, “Mine isn’t exactly quiet. Yaten and Seiya have both in bad moods lately.”

“Oh. I see.” She replied, her feet and hands fidgeting, “I guess we could try my house then.”

“If it makes things easier I could give you a ride home so we could start.” He offered.

A tint of pink rushed onto Yui’s cheeks, her fingers now twisting some of the locks of her hair. And then went to the motion of straighten her skirt as she tried to think of how to word her answer. She’d never been in someone else’s car before let alone had a guest at the house.

 Breaking his more serious upfront for a moment he smiled see how flustered she was at his offer. Flustered girls were something he didn’t see too often, when towards himself. Most of the fans kept their distance from him flocking to the more charisma Seiya and Yaten. He partly wondered if this why Seiya liked coming off as a player, despite being far from it.

Something with the woman before him was different than what the fangirls were, different than his friendly rivalry with Ami. Dare he even think it was truly the most different than with his precious Kakyuuhime? What it was he couldn’t really place, but she always seem to find a way to put him at ease, even when flustered herself.

“A ride home would be nice. It looks like it’s starting to rain.” Yui said at last, shattering the silence.

Taiki looked out the now tear stained window, “So it is. Well perhaps we should hurry then. “

“Yes, let’s.”

Once they reached the door it was pouring in sheets.  Both sighed their breaths little wisps on the little wind that blew. Yui dug into her school bag pulling out an umbrella.

“You better be sharing that.” Taiki stated seeing her opening in.

“Now why would I do that? You’re not wearing white.” She huffed, avoiding his eyes.

A playful smile curled his lips, “Then I might have to give you a hug when I am all wet from the rain.”

Yui glared at him, knowing he would. “Fine.” She growled handing him the umbrella.

Taiki thanked her and motioned for her to come closer so they both wouldn’t get wet.

As they walked together, Yui paused looking at the flowers than had been planted in the parking lot. She then looked upwards at the raining flooded clouds as it continued to drizzle. Her hair was already soaked from the downpour causing little droplets to fall giving the illusion she was crying. Taiki’s and her eyes met as she came back under the umbrella.

“Taiki, why does the sky cry? Is it moved by the beauty it helps to create? Or does it weep knowing it can never touch the earth, its tender and sweet love?”

He closed his eyes for moment listening to the rain and then met her eyes again. “Perhaps it’s a little of both. Come now, we best be off or we’ll both catch a cold in this weather.”

She nodded and said nothing more watching things go by when they were in the car. Rain wasn’t normally so calming for her since storms normally followed. But today it seemed to add to the peaceful atmosphere she sensed when around Taiki. It was comfortable, yet vaguely familiar.

Their study session, however, didn’t last long ending in laughter as Taiki’s stomach had growled demanding to be fed. When Yui had left the room to cook them a hot meal, Taiki’s phone rang. He sighed knowing it was Seiya.

“So how goes the tutoring?”

“It’s not at the moment. We stopped to eat.”

“Ah, I see. You seem a little more open today. Did something happen between you two?”

“Not that I’m aware of. We’ve just talked really.”

“What about that feeling you get? Did it happen again?”

“Let’s not discuss that for now. I’ll tell you later. Anything else you need?”

“No, just checking in on you. Well I should start doing my own homework. Bye.”

Taiki rolled his eyes and closed the phone.

The scent of miso was now spreading through the house, “I hope you don’t mind miso with tofu.” She called.

He walked over to the kitchen leaning against one of the counters, “Sounds good to me. Anything I can do to help?”

“Umm yes, you can chop those scallions.” Yui replied, chopping up the tofu into small squares.

“This feeling again,” Taiki thought while chopping.  “This warmth when I’m with her. It feels so unfamiliar to what I am now, yet I know it as if I’ve lived in it before.”

“Taikikun, the scallions please.” Yui said, disrupting him from his thoughts.

“Oh right, sorry.” He replied, handing her the cutting board so she could pour it in the stew.

Not too long afterward the stew was ready and their stomachs satisfied. Yui then took this opportunity to change out of her school uniform into something more comfortable. Taiki half felt she was trying to find any excuse to not go over the math. Once she returned they did start going over the math again, much to his relief.

“…Are you wearing perfume?” He asked, picking up a scent he didn’t recall being their previously.

“No. I am wearing some lotion though. ” She answered.

“Oh. Sorry, I just smelt patchouli and lotus normally those are used for perfumes.” Taiki commented.

“Well it is a lotion that came with a perfume I have. Maybe that’s why. I believe the scents in it are patchouli and lotus. Do you not like it?” Yui inquired.

“It’s not that I don’t like it. More of the scent just caught me off guard.”

“Oh. Sorry.” Yui stated, looking down.

“Nothing to be sorry for. It’s at least a pleasant scent. Unlike some of those scents Seiya has worn.” Taiki replied with a deep frown at the memory.

Yui couldn’t help giggling, “Must be quite a strong smell with that expression.”

“You have no idea.  Even Yaten thought it was awful.”

More giggles escaped from Yui, “I like it when you’re open like this. You always seem so distant.”

“And I like it when you smile genuine like this. It suits you more than those fake smiles you put on at school.” Taiki retorted.

A light blush crept to Yui’s cheeks again. “You could tell? For how long?”

“I’ve always been able to tell. It’s your eyes that always give it away.” He answered, brushing some hair out of her face, “Such pretty eyes shouldn’t look so sad.”

Her cheeks turned a brighter pink, such compliments she wasn’t use to. Yet she couldn’t find herself looking away from his. It was like they drew her in. They stayed like that in silence as if each trying to read what the other was thinking. A crash of thunder broke the silence. Yui yelped and ended up clinging to Taiki.

“I think that’s enough studying for the evening. We’re not going to get anything done with that noise.” He stated with a sigh.

“Please stay.” Yui whispered, a hand tightly gripping onto his shirt.

He said nothing and stroked her hair his other arm around her protectively. To help soothe her he began humming.

Several house later Yui’s mother came home smiling seeing both asleep on the couch. Gently she put a blanket over the two whispering, “Thanks for keeping her safe for me.”