Another Day in the Life of Sae Part 9 (Epilogue)

1
>...Come on, come on!
>Ah jeez, this is bad
>This is NOT good!
>Come on, come on...
>WORK GODDAMNIT!
>How long does it take a fucking PREGNANCY TEST to give you your results?!
>Fuck...
>You shift a bit on your toilet seat, gripping the little pad like a pair of pliers
>Alright, just calm down Sae
>So what if you've been a little... late lately?
>Or... nauseous
>You did everything right
>Everything!
>Well, not everything...
>Goddamnit
>You knew you should've told Akira to use that condom!
>Even though you're the one who insisted he didn't...
>Fuck
>You guess this is your fault
>You're just going to have to deal with whatever comes next...
>...Come on, COME ON!
>How long does this fucking take?!
>Should you pee on it again or-?
>The screen lights up
>Wait!
>Here we go!
>Come on...
>...Come on!
>One line, one line, one line!
>It gives you your results
>One line (NOT PREGNANT)
>YES!

2
>You breath a sigh of relief and lean back
>Phew...
>That was close
>For a second there you really thought you were pregnant!
>With a teenager's baby no less
>Not that the idea of carrying Akira's child doesn't EXCITE you to no end! It's just...
>...I mean, you gotta be smart about this
>You and Akira have been seeing each other for... what? A few months now?
>It would be REALLY bad if you were to get pregnant now
>What with your new job and him still dating Makoto...
>That would be a real disaster
>Luckily, you guess you won't have to worry about it
>You really must be just late
>And the nausea must've been from that sushi Akira took you out eat that night...
>Yuck!
>Not going there again
>At least the nightcap afterwards was good
>It always is
>Though ever since he's moved back to Leblanc's it's become progressively harder to avoid suspicion...
>Honestly you're surprised you haven't had a scare like this before
>What with all the dates you've been going on
>And how risky you've liked to play things...
>You've actually got one tonight
>A date
>The two of you are going out to eat at that big buffet you've been wanting to try
>And then afterwards stopping at Leblanc's for a little coffee and "rest"
>Heh
>All under Makoto's nose...
>...Yeah, there's still that
>But Makoto doesn't seem any the wiser as far as you know
>And things have actually been great between you two recently!
>You can't think of the last time you snapped or even got mad at her
>It helps that you have a lot more time off now due to your promotion
>And plus there's the extra, uh... "relief" that just makes everything seem so trivial
>But of course that could all disappear if you're not careful...
>Alright, Sae
>No more procrastinating!
>Tomorrow after work you're picking up some birth control
>For SURE this time

3
>You flush the toilet and toss the pregnancy test in the trash
>Makoto never uses your bathroom anyway, so it's not like she'll see it
>As you finish washing your hands, you notice yourself in the mirror
>...Not looking so bad, if you do say so yourself!
>Those dark circles you used to have under your eyes have pretty much disappeared
>And so have those wrinkles!
>Guess all the sleep you're getting helps with that
>Your hair's still grey, but...
>Heh
>I mean, that's probably never going away
>Just genetics, you guess
>At least Akira's doesn't seem to mind
>He actually likes it
>Calls it "Silver"
>Sounds a lot better than grey honestly
>You think back on the idea of being pregnant
>Imagining a 9-Month belly sticking out from your sweater
>You've actually been going to the gym a lot lately
>Trying to get back your more "girly" figure and pass the time instead of just sitting at home
>And while you aren't exactly "in shape" yet...
>...You're definitely starting to tighten up in a few places
>Which is Akira is sure to like...
>Heh
>It's nice having someone to maintain yourself for
>Someone to drive you to be better
>Not that's Akira's ever said anything about your figure before besides just compliments, just...
>A little motivator in the back of your head
>Something to keep you at it

4
>Of course, none of that will really matter if you ended up with a belly full of kids
>One or two, or...
>...Three or Four
>Beautiful little Niijima-Kurusu babies with black and grey hair...
>Little "Akira Jr." and his three sisters!
>Heh heh!
>Oh...
>The idea makes you all giggly
>To think
>You
>A mother!
>Old "Christmas Cake Sae" finally settling down!
>Heh heh...
>Oh, that's a nice fantasy...
>But who knows?
>It could happen!
>It's certainly nice to think about at least
>A lot more possible too...

5
>Leave the bathroom and your room
>Walk into the main room of your apartment
>Look around
>Man... this place isn't doing half bad either!
>Ever since your promotion, you've had a bit more extra money to throw around, so you've been gradually fixing and tweaking it to feel a bit more "homey"
>Throw pillows
>Better appliances
>A new couch to replace that one you ruined...
>You even put up some old photos you had of when you and Makoto were younger
>It's starting to look pretty nice
>Not that it was ugly or anything before, just...
>Better now, you feel
>More like how *you* always wanted it to look
>It certainly helps that you actually bother to keep it clean now instead of just telling Makoto to handle it
>Makes the place more bearable to come home to after work
>Especially when you have to bring work home...
>The Director wasn't kidding when he said your new job would be tough
>No more traffic court and drunken brawls for you, no ma'am!
>Now you work proper murders, fraud, shit like that
>Actual cases they give to real lawyers and not just the scraps you used to get
>It was a bit disorienting at first, honestly
>For most of your career you'd been dealing with minor or trivial cases
>Stuff that was more tedious to resolve than actually difficult
>The stuff you're dealing with now is actually challenging you
>This is serious stuff
>Pretty demanding too...
>But you're able to keep up with it
>And, honestly, it feels good to have that challenge
>It gets your blood pumping
>It makes going to court not so boring
>It makes it feel fresh
>Engaging
>Even fun at times
>Work doesn't feel like the same grind it used to be

6
>It helps that the people in your new division actually somewhat respect you
>Enough to treat you like a human being, at least
>There's even a few other women there
>That was surprising
>Though they aren't exactly the friendliest...
>Ah, who knows?
>Maybe they'll warm up to you one day and you can hang out in the break room with them
>A group of "gal-pals" like you used to have in high school
>It'd certainly be preferable to who you currently spend time at work with...
>So yeah, remember how the Director was explaining how the SIU was putting together a "New Generation" of Lawyers and Detectives?
>Guess who was the poster-boy of that new group?
>That's right!
>Everybody's favorite detective: Goro Akechi!
>Not even out of high school and yet still managing to get to the same position that you worked YEARS for
>Just great...
>And not only that; remember how the Director said you were getting your own office too?
>Well you did
>And it's nice
>A little small, but nice
>But guess who's sharing the office DIRECTLY next to your's?
>You guessed it!
>And boy does he always love to come over and "chat"
>Practically spends more time with you than he does with the other detectives
>Ugh
>Stupid Goro...
>You guess you shouldn't complain
>It's not like he's a TOTAL douche
>And you guess it's sort of nice to have a... "friend" for once
>Akechi certainly is more, uh, "refined" then the other guys you work with
>Doesn't stop him from being his usual self
>Or subtly trying to pry into your personal life...
>"So what WAS that mark on your neck the other day, Niijima-san?"
>You cringe
>Well
>You've managed to keep your lips shut about you and Akira so far, but Akechi's certainly keeping you on your toes
>You just hope you don't slip up one day and spill everything
>Life certainly isn't so boring anymore, that's for sure...

7
>Sit down on your new couch and recline back
>The smooth material comforting your tired back
>Ahhh...
>Welp
>At least you don't have to worry giving Akira any "bad news" on your date tonight
>You already finished up most of your work earlier so you guess you can just kick back and relax till then
>Maybe watch some TV
>Mmm, with those crackers and cream cheese you got...
>Get a text from Akira
>"We still good for tonight?" he says
>You text back
>"Yep, ready whenever you are" you say
>...
>"Alright, just have to do a few things for Sojiro and then we can meet up" he texts back
>You smile
>"Sounds good <3" you text
>Hear the front door open
>Put your phone down
>Look over
>It's Makoto
>She's back home from school
>"Oh, hey Makoto" you say
>She looks down
>"...Hey Sis" she says, much more muted
>?
>What's up?
>Is something wrong?
>"What?! Oh no, I... I don't think so, it's just..."
>She shakes her head
>"It's nothing"
>You get a stern look
>Oh come on, Makoto
>You're her big sis
>You know when something's bothering her
>"Come on, sit down" you say, gesturing to the cushion next to you
>Makoto hesitates, but ultimately sighs and sits down next to you
>"Really, Sis, it's... nothing. I'm sure you're real busy..."
>Oh, come on, Makoto
>She can tell you if something's wrong
>"Try me" you say
>You won't bite
>Makoto shifts in her seat, seemingly trying to find what she wants to say
>She looks troubled
>Worried
>Almost sad
>It's not something you've seen out of her in awhile

8
>She finally speaks
>"Well... it's about Akira" she says
>You blink
>Akira?
>"Yeah, Akira..." she says, twiddling her thumbs
>She looks down at her hands
>"I didn't want to say anything, but... things haven't been the best between us lately"
>Oh
>...They haven't?
>Makoto shakes her head
>"No"
>Huh
>Wasn't expecting that...
>You try to pry deeper
>"What, did... the two of you get into a fight or something or-"
>She quickly backpedals
>"Oh no, it's nothing like that! It's-!"
>She sighs and facepalms
>"...Oh gosh, I'm being so stupid!" she says
>Hey!
>You grip her hand firmer
>"You're not stupid! If something's the matter, you can tell me. I won't think it's dumb; it can't be if it's making you worry like this!" you say
>She sighs again and finally relents
>"...Well it's nothing major or anything. On the surface everything's good, it's just... I don't know, Akira-kun's just been acting so weird lately. It's like he's a totally different person!"
>Oh, uh...
>R-Really?
>H-How so?
>You pull your turtleneck a bit
>You can already feel little beads of sweat forming on your neck

9
>Makoto shifts again
>"Well for one, we don't go on as many dates as we used to. He's always 'too busy' or having to do something else. And when do go, I mean... I guess it's fine, but it's not like it was before. It's just not... magical anymore, you know?"
>Well, uh...
>You shrug
>Ya know, t-these things happen
>People get busy, homework piles up...
>They've been going out for... what? A few months now?
>It's only natural that the, uh, "Honeymoon Phase" kinda wears off
>"I guess... but it feels like it came out of nowhere. We have these two friends, Ryuji-kun and Ann-chan, and they've been going out for forever. And they still act like lovebirds whenever we see them. Even when they fight, which they do a lot, it still feels like there's something there between them. Something glueing them together. I don't think Akira-kun and I have that anymore. I thought we did. I thought things were going great! But now... it just feels like it's all coming apart"
>A bit of guilt lodges in your throat
>Oh gosh
>You guess part of that's on you...
>You rub her shoulder
>"Well... I'm sure it's nothing like THAT..."
>I mean, aren't exams coming up?
>He could just be real stressed out and trying to cram
>"No, Sis, I... I-I don't think-"
>Come on! You're sure things aren't that bad!
>The two of them have always seemed happy whenever you've seen em together!
>"Well... yeah, but-"
>You're sure it's nothing!
>Just a little rough patch, but once exams are over, things'll bounce back she'll see that-
>She tightens a fist
>"NO! Sis, it's...!" she almost yells but holds herself back
>You're caught off guard by her reaction
>You hold back on her as she recomposes herself

10
>She sadly sighs
>"...There's one more thing. I didn't wanna say it because, well I didn't really think it was appropriate, but..."
>Her breath hitches
>"Sis, I... I-I think Akira-kun might be cheating on me"
>!!!!!
>A thunderbolt hits you
>Like a million piano keys getting smashed at once
>Your eyes go wide
>You struggle to hide your panic
 >What?!
>C-Cheating on her?!
>T-That-!
>He-!
>Makoto puts her hands out
>"Oh no! Don't freak out or anything Sis! Don't get mad! I don't have any proof, I..."
>She sighs and leans back in her seat
>You're left to try and hold yourself together as she struggles to find the words
>Oh fuck
>OH FUCK!
>You knew things were too good to be true!
>You knew she'd catch on eventually!
>You try to hold it together
>Alright, just... calm down, Sae!
>This is fine!
>Freaking out will just make things worse, so just... keep it together!
>You try to maintain composure as Makoto continues
>"It's just... little things, you know? Like how he never really seems interested in what I'm saying anymore. Like how I'll be talking and talking and have to end up repeating myself because he wasn't listening. How I always get the feeling that, whenever we're together... he wants to be somewhere else. WITH someone else. He tries to play it off like it's nothing and just pretend everything's fine but... I can tell something's up. I mean, its been forever since the the two of us..."
>Since the two of them what?
>A small blush rises in Makoto's cheeks
>She shakes her head
>"Nothing..."

11
>"But like I said, he just's been acting so weird. Like today: A few weeks ago I saw that this art exhibit that I was interested in was coming up and figured that it'd be perfect for the two of us to go to. Akira kinda dodged setting a date, but said that we could at least go on the very last day: today. So I said 'alright' and started planning it. Maybe go there, hang out, get something to eat after... but when I tried to talking about it with him today, he just flaked. Said that he was "too busy" to go"
>She looks heartbroken
>"I planned this WEEKS ago! A-And he just blew it off like it was nothing! Like... l-like I was nothing! I...!"
>She holds back tears
>Oh god!
>He blew her off for you!
>For your date tonight!
>You would've never planned that date if you knew it was cutting into Makoto's time with him!
>Damn it Sae...
>She calms down
>"...I just thought it'd be good for us to go to. Just a date like we used to have. But I don't think he's interested in that anymore...
>"I know that that's it's a horrible thing to throw around, but... I just can't shake the feeling that... that's there's someone else. And that he'd rather be with her than with me..."
>You struggle to take everything she said in
>Desperately trying to find a way out this

12
>"...W-Well, uh... If that's how you really feel, then..."
>You suddenly get an idea
>"You should just... break up with him!" you suggest
>Makoto looks surprised by this
>"What?! Well no, I-I don't have any proof, just-"
>"Trust me..." you say putting your arm around her
>You've had TONS of experiences with guys through your life
>Especially in high school
>"Ususally, if you get that feeling they're sneaking around... they probably are. Girls have a sort of 'sixth sense' about that stuff" you say
>A-And even if he isn't, uh...
>"I mean, you clearly aren't happy with how things are going. It wouldn't hurt to... take a break from each other for awhile, d-don't you think?" you say
>Makoto shifts again
>"I guess, but... Akira-kun was my first boyfriend. He was the first guy I ever felt I could talk to. He was my first in... a lot of ways. Things were so great between us..."
>She sighs
>"...But I guess you're right. Maybe it'd be best to, um, 'cut things off' for now. Give him some space. Especially if he's got another girl he's seeing..."
>You rub her shoulder reassuringly
>"Aw, don't feel bad" you say
>These things happen
>Heck, she's lucky her and him we're together for so long
>You and your first boyfriend were only dating for a WEEK before things broke down!
>"I guess that's true..." she murmurs
>Awww...
>You pull her in and embrace her
>She doesn't hug back, but doesn't cry or anything either
>She's honestly taking this a lot better than you thought she would
>Though still a little mopey...
>Hmm, how can you cheer her up? Take her mind off this...

13
>Get an idea
>"...Hey, I, uh-"
>You clear your throat
>"I know it's not the same, but... WE could go to that art exhibit together. Just the two of us" you propose
>Makoto looks surprised by this
>"Really Sis? A-Aren't you busy with work and stuff?" she asks
>Not really
>You've got a pretty clear schedule for tonight
>The two of you can go there, find somewhere to sit, gossip and have a little "Sister time"
>It could be fun
>Makoto sniffs
>"Well, um... I-I guess that doesn't sound too bad" she says
>Right?
>And the two of you can even go to that Sushi-Ice Cream place downtown for dinner
>"Isn't that place super expensive though?" she asks
>Well yeah, but...
>You got the money
>You don't mind
>"Wow, uh... T-That sounds great Sis, um..."
>She rubs her nose
>"D-Do you mind if I just um... g-go to my room and freshen up a bit first?" she says, forcing a little smile
>Sure, go ahead
>You don't mind
>"Thanks..."
>She stands up and dusts herself off
>A wave of relief washes over you as she walks to her room and closes the door behind her

14
>Phew...
>Way to save that one, Sae!
>Not only did you manage to keep everything together
>But you also resolved things with Akira and Makoto
>Now they won't be together anymore!
>You won't have to wait till her graduation for them to break up
>And TECHNICALLY now you won't have to worry about the cheating thing since her and Akira aren't even a thing anymore!
>She's not even that upset about it
>It's perfect!
>...Well, it's not "perfect"
>You still DEFINITELY can't be open about this to anyone
>Especially Makoto
>It wouldn't take long for her to put two and two together to find out just HOW you and Akira became a thing
>And that you were the girl that stole him away...
>A bit of guilt squeezes your heart
>You wince
>Well
>It's a step in the right direction
>Toward that perfect future you and Akira envisioned
>The sooner they're apart, the sooner Makoto can move on
>Making the blow softer for when you and Akira INEVITABLY have to come out about your relationship to her
>That's going be an awkward conversation...
>You shake your head
>Well for now, you should just focus on the present
>Your date for tonight is unfortunately going to have to be cancelled, it seems
>Kinda sucks, but...
>It's for Makoto
>To take her mind off things
>And it could be nice to hang out and "bond" like actual sisters do for once
>Like you did when you were younger
>'Course, you'll have to tell Akira...

15
>Get a text from him
>Oh, perfect timing
>"Just finished things at Leblanc's, about to leave" he says
>Yeah, about that...
>"Change of plans, going out with Makoto tonight instead"
>"Apperantly you blew her off for our date tonight?" you text
>...
>"What? I did?" he responds
>You scoff
>"Yeah, she wanted to go this art exhibit and you bailed on her. She got real upset" you text
>Akira sends a grimacing emoji
>"Oh crap! I forgot about that!"
>"Is she okay? Should I call and tell her I'll take her?" he texts
>You sigh
>"No, already too late. She is fine. A little upset though. Will have to tell you everything later. It's important" you text
>...
>"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt her. I just got so caught up in planning things out for tonight. Guess this is my fault..." he texts
>You decide to go after him
>"It is. She told me how you were ignoring her a lot lately too. You sounded a like a big jerk" you send
>He doesn't respond back for a while
>Maybe that was a little harsh, but it's what Akira needed
>He needs to take all this more seriously
>He CLEARLY wasn't being as careful as you thought he was
>He finally texts back, attaching a picture of him in his room
>With sad little puppy dog eyes...
>"I'm sorry. You forgive me?" he puts
>...Aw, how could you stay mad at that cute face?
>"Yeah, it's okay. Just a little miffed rn" you text back
>...
>"I'll promise I'll make it up to her. To you too." he sends
>Oh, what a sweetheart...

16
>All your previous anger dissipates as a tiny blush rises to your cheeks
>He really does seem genuinely remorseful for all this
>Such a good kid...
>...Wouldn't hurt to give him a little treat~
>You look to make sure the coast is clear, and then lift up your sweater, taking a picture of your breasts
>You send it to Akira
>"You better ;)" you put
>Akira sends back a little image of a blushing anime girl with a nosebleed giving a thumbs up
>You giggle at this
>God
>Akira's certainly more mature for his age, but he's still definitely a teenage boy at the end of the day
>And teenage boys are soo easy to please...
>Just that little reaction pic makes your heart throb
>It's kind of assuring to know that you can still get guys going like that
>And that you managed to snag a really great one, who thinks you're just the best thing ever
>It's a sort of pride, honestly
>Pride that you're still desirable
>Still sought after
>Pride at being WANTED
>That's not something you can say you've felt in awhile
>It feels good
>REALLY good
>It gives you the sort of confidence  and self esteem that you haven't had since college
>Like you can take life and everything it throws at you by the horns and come out on top
>And it's all thanks to that shaggy little four-eyed kid you fell for
>You sigh blissfully
>Oh Akira...

17
>Check your phone
>Huh, it is getting kinda late
>You and Makoto really should get going soon...
>Get up
>Walk over and knock on Makoto's door
>"You getting close?" you ask
>No response
>?
>Uh
>"Makoto? Sis? You almost ready?"
>Still no answer
>What the hell?
>Why isn't Makoto answering?
>Open the door
>See Makoto
>She's sitting on the the edge of her bed, face in her hands
>Sobbing
>Hey, hey!
>What's going on!?
>You rush over to comfort her, sitting next to her on the bed
>Makoto shamefully tries to hide her her crying face, turning away from you
>Still sobbing
>"I-I'm sorry! I just...!"
>She can hardly talk through her sobs
>"..I-I'm never gonna get a guy like him again...! I-I'm such a FUCKING Idiot!" she cries, burying her face in a pillow
>All the guilt you've been supressing shoots up
>Puncturing your heart
>Oh god!
>This is all your fault
>You didn't mean to make her cry like this!
>Your little Imouto!
>You pull her into you as she continues to cry, holding back some tears yourself as you feel her little body sob in your grasp

18
>She keeps crying
>"I can't believe I was so S-STUPID! T-That I let all this happen!" she sobs
>You try to push back whatever guilt you're feeling to try and comfort Makoto
>"Oh come on Makoto, you're not stupid! This isn't your fault; you'll meet other guys!" you say
>She barely listens
>"No I won't! I'm... I-I'm an idiot! A stupid, ugly, boring idiot! I'm a WHORE! I'm tainted! No guy will ever want me again...!"
>You lightly scoff
>Oh come on, Makoto
>"Now you're just being ridiculous" you say
>Just because she had a boyfriend doesn't mean-
>She angrily pushes you back
>"Goddamnit Sis! A-Are you FUCKING retarded?! I... I-I LOST my VIRGINITY to him! On this f-fucking BED!" she cries
>You pretend to be shocked at this information, but Makoto doesn't seem to notice either way
>You're more surprised she actually admitted it than anything
>"...I-I just GAVE IT UP to the first guy who showed me any attention! Just like that! I..."
>She sobs
>"I ruined myself... all for him... I-I thought that MEANT something! That's we'd be together FOREVER! But now I'm just a slut... j-just USED GOODS that NO GUY will ever want, just like you always warned me! B-Because no one will ever respect a-!"
>Stop, STOP!

19
>You shake her a bit
>You manage to, if only briefly, stop Makoto's little rant
>"It's... I-It's okay! You're fine! That stuff's not a big deal!" you offer
>She looks surprised at this
>"...Y-You mean you aren't mad at me?"
>What?!
>Of course not! You...!
>You sigh, rubbing your forehead
>"...B-But you always said that my life would be ruined if I ever-"
>Makoto...
>You sigh again
>"I just said that so you wouldn't get pregnant..." you admit, pinching the bridge of your nose
>Makoto just sits back, still stewing in her shame
>Honestly, you're at a loss for words with everything she's just said
>It actually takes a second to form a proper response
>"Makoto, just because you aren't... 'a virgin' anymore doesn't mean guys still won't try to go out with you or be your boyfriend... it certainly doesn't mean you're a WHORE!" you say
>Makoto looks away
>"Yes it does! I..."
>She starts grasping
>"I-It doesn't matter if was just one guy! I... I'll never get that back! I'll never be like you! I'll always be-!"
>You stop her
>"Okay Makoto; look at me, look at me!" you say, grabbing her face
>"Makoto I'm 25 years old. I started using birth control when I was 17. In college I had 3 boyfriends that I can remember; In high school, I had a new one almost every other month. Do you really think that I'M a virgin?" you ask
>Makoto looks down
>"...No"
>"And am I a WHORE because of that?" you ask
>Fresh tears form in her eyes
>"N-No..."
>"Then why are YOU one?" you say
>Makoto tries to think of a response but can't
>She just sits there, tears pooling in her eyes

20
>"...I-It's not like it MATTERS anyway! I'm still just as BORING regardless!"
>Oh, Makoto...
>"You're not boring, you're just-"
>She pushes back again
>"Yes I AM! I-I dress BORING! I look BORING! I'm as bland as they come!"
>She furiously sobs
>"I-I even put this S-STUPID HEADBAND in my hair just so it wouldn't so look plain!" she cries, yanking it off her head and throwing it on the floor
>You got that for her...
>Makoto just sobs and continues
>"...I-I was LUCKY to get a guy like Akira! I was LUCKY he accepted my confession! It was just a fluke that'll never happen again!"
>You try to comfort her
>Oh Makoto, come on
>"You're being hysterical" you say
>So what if things didn't work out with Akira?
>It doesn't mean that-
>"NO! No...!"
>She pulls back from you, gripping her head and angrily trying to suck it all in
>"I-I've already decided! *sniff* I-I'm a lost cause! Just a TUMOR and a PARASITE that'll never amount to anything! A dumb, boring, awkward DORK who'll spend the rest of her life alone; just wasting away while you go off and live... just a lonely EMBARRASSMENT who'll just watch while everyone else gets paired up! A stupid old SPINSTER whose only friends will be her CATS as she spends the rest of her life as a LONELY, WASHED UP, DISGUSTING CHRISTMAS CAK-"
>HEY!
>*SLAP*

21
>You pop her cheek
>Not hard, just enough to snap her out of it
>Makoto blinks
>For a second she seemingly breaks out of her trance of self loathing
>You sternly raise a finger at her
>"Don't you EVER talk about yourself that way, Makoto. EVER!"
>She tries to pull away again, but you don't let her
>"You are a bright, intelligent, ATTRACTIVE young woman. Any guy would be LUCKY to have you!"
>"No they wouldn't!"
>Yes they would
>"N-No they wouldn't!" she cries
>Makoto, YES they woul-
>"You're just saying that cause you're my SISTER!"
>Yes, you ARE saying saying it because you're her sister
>Because you CARE about her
>Because you KNOW HER better than anyone else
>You know how she gets when she's upset
>And the last thing you wanna do is watch her LIE to herself and feel like SHIT over something as STUPID as a GUY!
>"It sure doesn't feel stupid..." she mutters, rubbing her cheek
>You soften a bit
>Oh, you know...
>"I know what it's like..." you say, putting your arm around her
>You've had your heart broke plenty of times
>It's always the hardest right after
>You cry, you feel like shit
>You get angry, mostly at yourself
>Wondering what you did wrong
>Wondering if there'll ever be anyone else
>Thinking that it's all your fault and wanting to just curl up in a ball and die...
>But you can't dwell on that
>If you do, you'll never even want to get out of bed in the morning
>You'll get bitter and start thinking that you're a lost cause and that everything you do's just a waste of time because you can't *fix* who you are and what you've become
>And you'll wish you were never even born...
>But you just have to keep your head up
>It'll pass, eventually
>If you just sit and wallow in it...
>You'll never get better

22
>Makoto leans into you and sighs
>"Why do guys have to do this stuff, Sis? Why couldn't he have just been honest with me?" she asks
>You rub her head
>Well...
>Sometime's it's just... not so simple
>Akira's not a bad guy
>From what you've seen, he seems like a decent kid
>But he's still just a kid
>"Just like you" you say
>Still immature in a lot of ways
>And while you don't exactly, uh, "know the situation", um
>"...I'm sure that, deep down, he never meant to hurt you" you say
>That he would've LIKED to be honest, but...
>Just couldn't
>"For... GOD KNOWS what reasons..." you say
>Makoto looks up at you
>"Do you think him and I'll still be friends? Would that be normal? Not now, but... someday in the future? I don't hate him, I just... wish things didn't turn out like this..." she says
>You look down at her, picturing the three of you at dinner, laughing and chatting like a family
>You and Akira sitting together and Makoto with... God knows who
>Though she looks happy
>And you all look happy together
>Like one big family
>You give her a reassuring look
>"I'm positive" you say
>Makoto just sighs and puts her head back in your chest
>Like she did when she was a kid

23
>Ah jeez
>She's really taking this hard...
>You know all too well what rejection and break-up's like
>It's hell
>Especially in the first few days
>...Though it's always a bit easier if someone new comes into the picture
>A new guy, that is
>Maybe what Makoto needs right now is a bit of  a "rebound"
>Some new guy to come in and sweep her off her feet
>Take her mind off Akira give her back that "spunk"
>But who though?
>You always did this stuff back in college whenever one of your girlfriends got dumped
>But this is your sister here
>You don't wanna just set her up with a total stranger
>And you don't exactly know a ton of guys her age either
>Well, except for-
>...

24
>...Hey
>Here's an idea
>You know...
>Akechi's around Makoto's age right?
>They're both third years in school
>And Akechi still kinda owes you for helping him out that one time...
>...Maybe you could set them up!
>Introduce them and get Goro to go on a date with her
>Just a little confidence boost to get her spirits back up
>Yeah...
>That could work
>And hey, who knows!
>Maybe things'll progress from there
>Her and him are both the "academic" type
>Both real booky and smart
>They'd probably get along great!
>...Of course, if they get along TOO well, there's the very real chance they could...
>You know
>And if they get along REALLY well, there's the very real chance you could end up with AKECHI as an In-Law someday...
>An inquisitive, annoying little Brother In-Law that you'd have to put up with at every family gathering...
>...
>But-
>B-But that'd never happen, right?!
>No...
>Well in any case, any plans about that'll have to be sometime down the road
>Makoto's feeling like shit NOW
>You have to think of SOMETHING that'll make her feel better
>Come on, Sae
>Your sister's hurting here!
>You know you can ease that!

25
>You take a deep breath
>Alright, Sae
>Time to be a good guardian
>A good sister
>You push her back so she's looking at you
>Her wet little eyes glistening back at yours
>You speak
>"Look Makoto, I... I know I haven't always been the best guardian. I know I've been hard on you sometimes. With worrying about your grades, and making sure you stay out of trouble. And I know you might get the impression that, you know, if you mess up or something that I'm just gonna freak out and disown you or something, but... I'm not. I can't stress how PROUD of you I am. How much you've grown, how much you've done and accomplished. Seeing you grow up from that sweet little kid playing with your Buchimaru-kun toy to the young woman I know today."
>You grip her wet cheeks
>"You have got your whole life ahead of you. There are going to be TONS of guys that catch your eye, or- or that you go out with, or that break you heart. That's a part of life. Part of being a woman. And that's not a bad thing. It's just... living. And after you get dumped, and you think that you're trash, or that no guy'll ever want you or that you're somehow "ruined"... just remember that there's always more people out there. Whether it's at school, or at work, or a bar; there's always opportunity. Opportunity to meet someone new. Someone who could change your life. It can happen anywhere, sometimes... where you least expect it. WHEN you least expect it"

26
>"It probably won't even be obvious at first. Someone you might overlook, or even dislike to some degree. Someone you think you could never be with. But when you realize that you want them, and despite your best efforts the two of you end up getting together... and you come to the realize how much they've changed your life and how great you feel just being around them... you'll never imagine living life without them. It'll be wonderful. There might be some problems, HUGE problems, but... they'll be worth it. It'll make all the heartbreaks mean something. All the years you spend doubting yourself. I know that can be hard to believe right now, but... you just have to trust me. It'll happen to you too. I promise"
>Makoto smiles a bit
>"Sounds you've got some personal experience with that, Sis *sniff* Is there some... 'secret guy' in your life I don't know about?" she weakly jokes
>You're caught a bit off guard by her question, but give her a smile
>"Every girl's got her secrets" you say
>Makoto giggles, wiping a few tears from her cheeks
>You rub her shoulder comfortingly
>"You still up to go to that art exhibit?" you ask
>Makoto shifts
>"Honestly? Not really... c-can we just skip to the ice cream part instead?" she asks
>You smile at her
>"Sure" you say
>Makoto starts wiping some of her runny mascara
>"Guess I better clean up then..."

27
>She cocks her head at you
>"Sis, did... you do something different with your hair?" she asks
>What?
>Oh, uh...
>You rub the back of your neck bashfully
>...Yeah
>You've started putting it in up a bun recently
>Not like a permanent style change or anything! Just to shake things up
>...Does she like it?
>Makoto perks up
>"Yeah, yeah! It looks great! I-*sniff* I can't believe I didn't notice before... guess I was just too preoccupied... but yeah, it looks good!"
>You blush appreciatively
>Oh, well thanks
>"It makes you look younger" she says
>Younger?
>Makoto backpeddles
>"Oh no, I-I didn't mean it like that! I just meant that it reminded me of when WE were younger. When you were in high school, and I was still just a kid... You used to do your hair up like that sometimes, remember? I always thought you were so pretty. I wanted be just like you! I even tried dying my hair grey once, but Dad stopped me!" she giggles
>Oh yeah
>You remember that
>Heh heh!
>Oh man, Dad was pissed!
>Makoto chuckles
>"Yep! He sure was! He..."
>She sighs
>"He sure was..." she says, looking down
>Ah huh...
>"Good old Dad..." you say, also sighing
>A subdued silence falls between the two of you as the memory of your father comes rushing back
>Him being here
>Making breakfast
>Kissing you off for college...

28
>"...I really miss him sometimes" Makoto admits
>You do too...
>Makoto shifts in her seat
>"You know, before he um... 'passed away', me and him always used to have these little chats. Just talking about... I don't know, just random stuff... if I had problem he'd listen and try and guide me. Give me some advice. Even make me feel better by making me Egg Drop Soup. When he died, I; well I missed him of course, but... what I was most worried about was that I'd never have that kind of person again. No one to talk to, no one to go to I needed help. No one to support me, and that I'd be all alone if I needed someone... but I know now that that was dumb, because I had you. You always supported me. Even when things were really rough. Sure, we've had our fights; I mean, we're sisters! But through it all, you were always there for me when it counted. I can't tell you how grateful I am for that"
>Her eyes shimmer, new tears forming in them
>"I love you, Sis; you're the best sister I could ever ask for!" she says
>You smile back, a few tears forming in your eyes as well
>"I love you too Makoto" you say
>The two of you hug, feeling the warmth and care that only the love of two sisters can generate
>Holding your precious little imouto in your arms
>Never wanting to let go...

29
>Makoto pulls away
>"Alright, I-I'm gonna go clean up now; for real this time!" she says
>You giggle
>"Alright, go ahead" you say, playfully waving her off
>She smiles and leaves for the bathroom
>You just watch her walk away, breathing a sigh of relief
>Man...
>It's times like this where you're glad to be her sister
>Glad to be there and support her when she really needs it
>Glad to turn those tears into laughs
>You're so lucky to have her
>Makoto doesn't eat away at your life at all
>If anything, she's one of the best things that's ever happened to you
>You love your sister
>You really do
>As you leave her room, you feel your phone go off
>Looking at the caller, it's Akira
>You answer
>"Hey, uh, I just got a text from Makoto saying needed to "talk" sometime tomorrow? Is this about what happened earlier?" he asks
>You sigh and tell him everything that's happened
>From her confessing her suspicions to her deciding to break up with him
>Though not knowing it's you he's seeing
>"Oh, uh... alright. I... guess that's that then" he says, a little sadly
>Yeah...
>"She didn't, uh, cry... did she?" he asks
>You can feel the guilt and remorse in his voice
>"Just a little bit, but... she's okay now. We're about to leave now actually" you say
>Akira sighs over the phone
>"I guess it's for the best then. At least now she can move on... I'm sorry about all this, I really am" he says
>You know, know...

30
>"...Are you angry with me?" he asks
>Of course not
>Just...
>You don't know
>A little sad, you guess
>"Yeah, I know what you mean. But look on the bright side; at least it's just us now" he says
>Yeah, that's true...
>Still can't be open about all this though
>ESPECIALLY to Makoto
>"Ah, I wouldn't worry too hard about it. Heck, by the time we come out she probably won't even remember me"
>...You're pretty sure it'll be a BIT more complicated than that, but alright
>Akira chuckles over the phone
>"Well, we'll figure something out. We always do" he says
>You giggle and roll your eyes
>Whatever he says...
>"You still trust me?" he asks
>"I do" you say
>"And do you still love me?"
>You laugh
>"I do..."
>Akira chuckles happily
>"Well then we don't have anything to worry about"
>"I love you, Sae-san" he says
>A small blush rises as you smile
>"...I love you too" you say
>"Make sure you call me before you go to bed!"
>You will, you will...
>"Alright, bye!"
>Bye...
>He hangs up and you fall back on the couch, holding the phone to your chest and smiling blissfully
>Gosh...
>What a life you lead
>Every day crazier than the last
>...But not in a bad way
>From work, to Makoto, to Akira...
>It all just seems to come together
>And while you still have to be careful about this little "secret" of yours
>You honestly wouldn't have it any other way
>All the struggles, all the pain...
>It was all worth it
>You feel alive, you've got a new sense of purpose
>And right now you're happier than you've ever been
>As you sit up, you hear the bathroom door open
>Makoto emerges, cleaned up and ready to go
>"You ready, Sis?" she asks innocently
>You smile at her
>Yeah
>Lets go
>...
>..
>.
>
END