Ah yes I finally wrote another KidoAya one shot. More sisterly focused because their bond is so precious okay--
I think there's about +1000 words, not really the best thing I've written but currently I'm quite satisfied with it, so I hope you enjoy. uwu
On this day Ayano just so happened to return home earlier than she usually would. After school she'd always stay with Shintaro to study for a test, or simply hang out with Takane and Haruka. But today Shintaro lost his temper rather quickly, and the two decided to just call it off for the day and head home. She felt really bad, if only she wasn't spacing out so much. In fact she was still surprised he was putting up with her like this. And grateful.
Trying to remove the feeling of guilt, she finally arrived home and unlocked the door, making her way in carefree. Pure silence, she knew nobody else was home. Nobody ever was at this time. Dad barely was at home anyways, and her three little siblings wouldn't be home from school for at least another hour. This was a perfect opportunity she thought. Even though Ayano was aware she wasn't the greatest at cooking, surprising her family with dinner sounded like a good idea.
When was the last time they've done something like that together? She couldn't quite recall.
With that idea on her mind she made her way through the living room, dropping her schoolbag and letting it fall to the floor. At this very moment she was too excited about the thought of having dinner with everyone, including dad again after a long time that she didn't want to waste too much time. However.
The brunette almost instantly froze in place when she heard unusual quiet sound break through the silence of the empty home. For a mere moment her heart stopped beating and she felt uneasy. It can't possibly be that someone broke in, can it? She'd definitely hear it, she'd notice.
Swallowing, she tried to calm down her breathing and listened carefully. She heard it again. It almost sounded like muffled sobbing. Now she was certain there was a weird presence in the room. No, it wasn't weird. In fact, she was used to this. Slowly, she turned around.
"Tsubomi?"
Just as she murmured that name, her eyes set on the green haired female that was sitting on the couch. She definitely wasn't there when Ayano first walked in. But then again, it wasn't unusual for her to just appear out of nowhere like this, out of thin air. At times it can be awkward, but over the time it was something she grew used to.
Relaxing her shoulders and exhaling in relief, Ayano securely made her way toward the other girl. She was hiding, covering her face with the purple hoodie. That's not what worried her though, nor the fact she was at home when she's supposed to be at school. It was her quiet weeping that worried the older sister.
Kido didn't even raise her head to look at the one she admired as she sat down next to her. She kept her head lowered, embarrassed. It made Ayano only worry more.
And much to her surprise, it was Kido who broke the silence first. Her voice was shaky, and slightly insecure. She definitely wished nobody saw her crying like this, especially Ayano. For once her eye power just so happened not to work, how wonderful.
"I didn't think you'd notice me, I was going to sneak away up stairs once you went to the kitchen... y-you weren't supposed to come home yet anyways."
"Neither were you." Ayano replied softly, a small frown on her face instead of her usual smile. "Shuuya and Kousuke are still at school, right? Why are you home then?" She wanted to know what happened that shook her up this much, she wanted to know why her little sister was crying.
But she didn't want to be pushy. Many times she comforted her, so she was very much aware that she had to take this slowly.
"I got home early." The younger girl kept her voice low and responded in the simplest way possible. Shrugging she looked off to the side, and hesitatingly continued on. "Not like it matters. I bet nobody noticed anyways."
A short pause. Ayano said nothing, instead she just wrapped both arms around her and slowly pulled her close to her chest. Kido couldn't take it at this point. Ayano's warmth, her gentle embrace - it was so comforting and soothing, as always. Every time Ayano would hold her like that, and every time she'd feel truly safe. Tears started falling down her cheeks again, this time without much shame, and she buried her face into Ayano's shoulder to hide herself.
"I just keep scaring all of them-- I don't want to be known as the ghost girl or abnormal! Kousuke and Shuuya told them to shut up, but it still hurt!"
"Don't listen to them, Tsubomi..."
Even if she tried Ayano couldn't imagine how hard it must be for her to deal with such things. For a few years she'd comfort all three about their powers, encouraging them to train to control them so things like this wouldn't happen. But still, all she could offer them was comforting words. There was nothing else she could do about it, and she hated it.
She hated seeing her little sister suffer like this because of it.
"Why can't I be normal..?"
The younger girl said almost in a whisper, choking back on the last of her tears. Just hearing her say that hurt Ayano. Sighing, she slowly started to run her fingers through her hair that was let loose out of the ponytail she'd sometimes wear. It was soothing for Kido, the feeling of Ayano's gentle fingers running through her hair, it helped her relax. And now that she was calmer, Ayano was able to continue talking, her voice quiet.
"What's so fun about being normal?" Kido instantly pulled away and looked up at her adoptive sister with a very confused expression, and it only made Ayano smile since she caught her attention. She wiped the tears away from the girl's pretty face and continued on.
"I mean-- what defines a person as normal, anyways? Everyone's different, right? It's these little differences from everyone else that makes you you, and that's why you're special!"
With both hands on Kido's shoulder, Ayano's face only grew bigger, and the younger sister could only stare back at her with wide eyes. "Special...?"
"I know it's not easy, Tsubomi... but don't give up. You'll learn to master your power, and then nobody will be able to make fun of you anymore. Just believe in yourself and keep trying! You know I'll be here cheering for you. After all, you're strong and there's nothing you can't do!"
"Aya-nee--" She slowly tugged on her hoodie in order to hide her face again, from embarrassment. She considered herself not strong enough, but if Ayano really believed in her, maybe she truly will be able to do it. This is why Kido couldn't help but respect her so much. "Th-thank you!"
"Don't mention it, just do your best! Now, smile for me~!" Now that they finally were back in the comfort zone Ayano completely relaxed and with a cheerful laughter, poked Kido's side. Of course, she knew how sensitive she was, so the little embarrassed squeak Kido let out made Ayano laugh even more.
"Aya-nee!"
"Come on, show me that pretty smile of yours!"
Ayano kept poking her, and even going as far as tickling her, until they both somehow ended up rolling around the couch, laughing. It was rare moments like these, where they both got completely comfortable, that both treasured dearly. All four of them had a strong bond between each other and nothing could break that, that's sure, but this was simply a unique connection only sisters could share, full of mutual trust.
Once they calmed and both caught their breath, they spent a few minutes lying there in silence, both smiling. Kido felt much better. As long as she was happy, so was Ayano. That precious rare smile, that wonderful laughter, Ayano would do anything to protect it like she promised to. It was what kept her heart warm and she cherished it. Especially considering how shy and scared Kido tends to be.
She was glad she came home early and was able to help before it was too late. Which reminded reminded her, she still had to make the dinner. She sat up and smiled at the girl beside her, that seemed to for once feel at peace.
"Hey, Tsubomi! You're good at cooking, wanna come and help me prepare dinner?"
"I-I'm not that good--"
"Yes you are, don't even start this with me!"
Kido couldn't even say anything more, even the smallest of praise from Ayano would make her feel shy and happy. With her face flushed with a light shade of red, she sat up and nodded. After all, it just means she gets more time to spend with her big sister.
"Great!" Ayano cheered in excitement, not even afraid that she'll mess up the dinner now. "Ah, wait, your hair might be in the way--"
Before Kido could even question it, the brunette took off one of her red hairclips out of her hair and placed it in Kido's, safely keeping the bangs away from her face. They both had matching hair styles now, and if Kido was aware of it, she'd probably die out of embarrassment. Ayano did it on purpose.
"Alright c'mon, then we can ask the boys to clean the bathroom in return!"
With that in mind Ayano playfully grinned and got up, hurrying to the kitchen and Kido was following after. Even though she knew there was no way her sister would possibly end up letting those clean alone. She'd help them like she helped her. She was just that kind-hearted, and that's why she'll always be her beloved hero with a pure smile that can brighten up her life and give her hope, no matter how dark it might get. She will get stronger one day and make her proud.
