/jp/ - Otaku Culture

"Now, what else...Ah, you and Yamame. From what you've told me, her family all love you. They've accepted you. You even said how happy you were about that." I had, but... "No buts. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about there. You know, it wouldn't be the first time." I blinked, confused. "That a human married a youkai. It's a part of many a story, woven through history. Have you met Mister Rinnosuke Morichika? He lives out in the Forest of Magic where he runs an antique shop called Kourindou. He's half-youkai, half-human. I think you'd get along." I...Thought that I'd heard Marisa mention someone called Kourin who seemed to fit the description, but I hadn't met him yet. "Anyway, my point is that I think you've nothing to fear from living with Yamame, either from her or her family. They don't seem to mind one bit that you're human. Maybe it makes you exotic." She said with a small smile. I laughed slightly. I supposed it was true, too. When I'd been sitting with Yamame in the Hot Springs Town and eating just before the party, a group of Yamame's sisters had come up to talk to me about my T-shirt, and they'd asked about me, too. They'd been interested in me, as a human.

"Now...Is that better?" Keine asked, looking me over. "I know you've had plenty of problems too, but from the sound of it, you're in a healthy relationship with someone who loves you, you've gained a sister, plenty of friends, and a prospective job. If anything, I think you're doing quite well!" I was, I thought. Better than I'd really realised. I'd been so caught up in all my worries that I hadn't thought about the positives. Perhaps I'd just needed someone who was outside of it all to talk to.

Sorry, I said. I'd dumped all my problems on Keine's shoulders without really considering it. I shifted myself around the table so I could hug her. She'd been there for me when I needed it. I squeezed tighter and she squeezed back, patting my back. "It's okay. I'm just glad you came to see me." I think I felt a tear coming out of my eye. I'd be proud, I mumbled into her hair. "Proud of what?" She asked, sounding a bit confused. If Keine had been my mother. She was silent for a while after that and I wondered if I'd messed up, but then I heard her sniffle, and her grip got even tighter. I started to feel like my shoulder was getting wet, right where Keine's face was pressed into it. Neither of us spoke for a bit after that.

Finally, we separated. Keine's eyes were red, but I thought that mine probably were a little bit too. I was happy that I had someone like her, even if I didn't deserve it after not seeing her for so long. "I'm still a little bit mad, but it's okay. You can always ask me whatever you need to." She paused for a moment. "Um, mostly. Please don't ask me about, um...C-Certain things." I frowned and asked her what she was talking about. "Oh, you know, j-just, um..." She got very quiet at this point. "L-Lewd things..." She mumbled. It was so unexpected that I burst into laughter. "D-Don't laugh!" Keine cried, but at that point, I was too far gone and wouldn't be able to stop. I laughed until my stomach hurt, then - Much like Reimu learning about a new kidnapping by Hearn - almost started choking, but thankfully I hadn't drunk a bunch beforehand, so I didn't actually choke. "It's not - I-I just don't like - Oh, what's the matter with you!?" She cried, looking a little upset.

It took some time, but I finally calmed down after I started feeling like I was getting stomach cramps. "Feeling better?" Keine asked me. She looked a bit put out, and I hugged her again and apologised. I did feel far better, though. Laughter really was an effective medicine. "Hmm...Yes, I suppose so. I think I prefer when it isn't at my expense, though..." She did smile a little bit, though. "So...When do I get to meet Yamame myself, hmm?" I swallowed, thinking about it. "You can't marry her without letting me meet her first, you know. It's important!" I nodded, chewing on a fingernail. Soon, I hoped. As soon as I could. "Well, as long as it's sooner than the gap between your last visit..." I ducked my head and promised that it would be. I wanted to get back to Yamame. I felt like I'd probably given her enough time at this point, so I told Keine that I should probably head off now. "You'll take care, won't you?" I nodded. "I'm serious. Even with that peach, please take care of yourself. For me?" I nodded again and promised that I wouldn't let her down.

We got up, and Keine escorted me to the door. I pulled my boots on and tied them up, and we hugged one last time. "Oh - Look at your hair!" Keine complained. She immediately dragged me to the stairs and sat me down so she could mess with it despite my complaints and attempts to push her off. "Now, stop fussing. I've had schoolboys who make less fuss than you." Wincing, I grumbled back that she was pulling too hard. "Don't be such a baby." She finished, and I wondered how much of a mess my hair was now.

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