Case 58: Fumiko’s feelings.
The meeting between Uehara Fumiko and Kisaragi Yuzuki took place in a local café. Thankfully, Fumiko had already planned to take a breather on the weekends, away from her constant research. Besides, she could never refuse a conversation with Yuzuki, her future mother-in-law.
Both were familiar with one another, as Fumiko had been with Moeka since they were mere children. In Yuzuki's eyes, both of them felt like her own daughters.
While Fumiko was a little puzzled over the reason she was called, Yuzuki, who was well aware of the Alpha's hectic schedule, did not want to linger long. Yet, she also could not get over how haggard the girl looked.
''Thank you for taking care of our Moeka.'' She said, ''How have you been? Is your work going well?''
Fumiko replied politely, ''I'm fine, aunt. Moeka has been really attentive. I'm blessed, honestly.''
''Is that so?'' Yuzuki smiled contentedly, ''I'm glad. And... isn't it about time you call me 'mother'?''
The Alpha felt a pang in her heart—a fluttering coziness—as she received Yuzuki's warm acknowledgement. After all, being able to call Yuzuki by that title meant she had been recognized. So, shyly, she said, ''...Yes, mother.''
Between the two, the atmosphere was impeccable. After some small talk, Yuzuki sensed that the time was right and finally brought up the main topic.
''So... what do you think about Moeka lately?'' She asked, ''What that child is doing... has it affected you a lot?''
''...''
Fumiko kept her composure, though tiny cracks began to show as she contemplated her answers. She instinctively understood the concerns within Yuzuki's words. After all, she and her daughter were the same, all caring and too considerate sometimes.
In the end, Fumiko sighed, ''I'm... fine, mother. This country needs Moeka right now, and she feels gracious enough to be there for the people. I think there's nothing more noble than that. As a person, and as a magical girl, Moeka is doing an admirable job.''
''I know.'' Yuzuki still held a skeptical expression, ''You are a very smart girl, Fumiko—always have been. The reason Moeka could continue to contribute is because of your generosity and rationality. But... I'm asking about your feelings, Fumiko. Are you truly alright?''
''I...''
Suddenly, the phrase 'A mother's love transcends all' came to Fumiko's mind. From her childhood, being recognized as a genius and now working as a magical girl, Fumiko had always wrestled with the pressure to perform. To hold her frustrations in, to be composed, and to deliver her best—always.
But as she faced Yuzuki's soft, benevolent eyes, Fumiko felt an urge to just let it all out. The bottled feelings she had been ignoring, the anger she had been suppressing—all of it.
'If it's her...'
Such thoughts floated inside Fumiko's head. Her trust for Yuzuki, who had been closer to her than most of her relatives, was unshakable. So, Fumiko gradually opened up.
''...It's true. I was quite devastated at first.'' She said, ''The moment I let her go, I knew there was no turning around. Rationally, that was the only option to maintain stability in this country. Then... I was mad at my own inability to prevent myself from making such a decision. I regretted not being able to allow Moeka a way out. I was... powerless.''
''It wasn't your fault,'' Yuzuki said firmly. ''The original incident was nothing short of an accident. The circumstances simply weren't in our favor. Stop blaming yourself.''
Fumiko only smiled weakly in response. After taking a deep breath, she continued, ''I've been observing Moeka.''
The girl looked out the window, recalling the hours she had spent with Moeka as her girlfriend—their short, rushed, yet fulfilling dates, their intimate times, and even the different expressions Moeka could make when she spent time in bed with other magical girls.
''If there's one thing I can say now... is that Moeka is genuinely enjoying what she's doing,'' Fumiko admitted, ''Seeing her with others still makes my heart ache sometimes, but I can't help falling for her all over once more when she proves her loyalty to me—time and time again.''
The Alpha smiled bitterly, ''What can I do? My lover is just too charming. She holds every one of us by our collars. We're all her love slaves.''
''Fumiko...''
Looking into Yuzuki's widened eyes, Fumiko sighed. This time, a more light-hearted, almost relieved one, ''I intend to prioritize Moeka's happiness above all, mother. If she loves spending time with others, I'll gladly concede. As long as I'm her number one... I think I can be content with it.''
Yuzuki, holding a feeling close to utter appreciation and admiration, pulled Fumiko across the table and hugged her tightly, ''Thank you, my daughter.'' She said, ''You have been nothing but a blessing to us.''
''That's exaggerated...'' Fumiko chuckled.
''Don't worry. I'll make sure that child always places you first in her heart. Even if I have to knock some sense into her head...''
Fumiko was rendered speechless. Still, being recognized as a daughter-in-law by Yuzuki had been a boon. Furthermore, she was able to confide her feelings to someone, which made her heart that much lighter.
Fumiko felt as if her work today would not be such a slog.
Meanwhile, Moeka was restlessly pacing around the house. Naturally, she was anxious about Fumiko and her mother's talk. Only Himeko, whose mood was particularly bright, lounged in front of the television leisurely. After all, she had made a huge achievement yesterday!
Seeing Moeka's somewhat downcast mood the prior evening, Himeko decided to approach and accompany the Omega, even earning herself an intense love-making session with her afterward!
After only getting sloppy seconds and being flat-out denied, this was perhaps the first time Himeko had Moeka all to herself. Recalling how she thoroughly knocked Moeka to oblivion yesternight, it could be said that her pride had been restored.
Himeko had refrained from prying into Moeka's worries since it seemed quite a private one, though seeing the heavy mood persist around the Omega, she was eventually compelled to ask. The Alpha crept up from behind, running her arms around Moeka's waist, then rested her chin comfortably on Moeka's shoulder.
''What's wrong, Moeka?'' Himeko asked, absorbing the soft floral fragrance coming from the Omega's gland.
''Mhm... it's nothing.'' Moeka averted her eyes.
Hugging her crush from behind and facing no rejection felt increasingly blissful in the mind of the love-puppy Himeko. Yet, the Omega still chose to hide her problems, which bothered her. So, Himeko immediately employed her most successful tactic to date—pretending to be pitiful.
''I'll do anything for you, Moeka. Don't tell me...'' She asked with a trembling voice, puppy eyes wide and round, ''Am I not dependable enough...?''
Predictably, Moeka was quite flustered, ''U-Um... it's not like that. I—''
Just then, the entrance door clicked open, and a giddy-looking Yuzuki entered the house. Witnessing the two clinging to one another, she became even giddier.
''Oh, my... don't mind me, girls.''
''It's not like that, mom...!''
Moeka's face was flushed red, while Himeko boldly burrowed her face into the Omega's neck.
Patting the two's shoulders, Yuzuki said tentatively, ''Go wash your hands. I'll make lunch now.''
She then continued, winking at Moeka, ''And... Fumiko said she'll support whatever decision you make, my daughter. You must think it through well, okay?''
''Huh...?''
Moeka was, in every sense, dumbfounded. Was Fumiko's dedication to her truly so vast...?
Genuine gratitude aside, Moeka realized—now, it was her turn to sort out her feelings properly. And what better opportunity to reconsider her romantic interest than now, with one of her pursuers right beside her?
''...Himeko, could we talk for a moment?''