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yuriko-mukami · 9 days ago

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Her Calamity

Maniac 06

Beta reader: @ruki-mukami-dl

Chapter Selection

There had to be something wrong with the equation. It didn’t make any sense. Yuriko frowned and stared at her notebook. Ruki had promised to go through all this with her after he would be back from Eden. But the future promises would not help to solve this now.

A sigh left from Yuriko’s lips. This was hopeless. She couldn’t concentrate and the numbers were like another language. Why did she even need this? She wished to study literature later. This complicated stuff was unnecessary for that.

Yuriko pressed her pen against the paper but just then a buzz broke the rest of her focus. Her phone vibrated between the notebook and the math book. She glanced up, nailing her gaze at the teacher but the man was focused on writing the next equation on the blackboard. No one seemed to pay attention to Yuriko while pens scratched papers and erasers tried to do their magic on unavoidable mistakes.

Nodding to herself, Yuriko slithered her phone to her view and peeked at it a picture of Ruki in her mind. Oh, it would be so nice to receive a note from him!

But of course, it wasn’t Ruki. It wasn’t possible to send text messages from the Demon World. Instead, the arrived notification had a photo of Elizabeth with glimmering eyes and ebony hair wiped over her shoulders.

It took a while for the three dots to appear as Elizabeth started to write. Yuriko stared at her own message. Has it been clear? Did it cover everything? Summer had been such a mess it was difficult to put in words. Yet, Yuriko didn’t have another option. She couldn’t handle any more secrets. It was bad enough that she was lying to Ruki about letting the matter go.

Minutes snailed forward. Yuriko scribbled on the corner of her notebook while she waited for her friend’s message to pop up. In the meantime, she peeked at her equation. But no, it didn’t make any more sense than before. This truly was hopeless. She simply couldn’t do her math problems without Ruki’s help.

Finally, the message appeared. It was equally long and wandering as Yuriko’s own.

Hastily, Yuriko started to type her response right away. Who was Yuyu? She hadn’t heard the name before but because she had been talking about Yuuto, Elizabeth could mean him. But the name was so silly that it couldn’t mean Yuuto, right?

Other than the odd name, Yuriko wanted to trust the Kozima fox. She had gotten good vibes from him after all. Elizabeth hadn’t been there, so the zombie girl couldn’t understand, but Yuriko was sure Kozima could be trusted.

As soon as Yuriko sent her reply, Elizabeth began to type again, telling her to be careful and avoid strange foxes. She noted being more worried about what the Founders were planning for Yui.

Yuriko sighed. That was something she had been wondering too. Ruki had refused to talk with Shu and now they were both in Eden. Not only that, but Yuma was also constantly on Yuriko’s heels, so she couldn’t even move around freely.

Frowning, Yuriko stared at her math textbook. There must be something… Oh! Nalia! She had helped Yui the last time too because she had some kind of contact who could pass the messages. That was perfect! Yuriko only needed to meet Nalia and explain everything. Then it would work out!

But… Yuriko frowned again. Yuma probably wouldn’t let her meet the woman since Ruki hadn’t given direct permission for that. Pressing her lips together, Yuriko drew circles on her notebook. She couldn’t send a message since there was a risk that it could be captured. Elizabeth had said that. Secrets should never be written, and if Yuriko called Nalia, someone in the manor could hear her.

Then it hit Yuriko. There was someone who could distract Yuma! She grabbed her phone again and started to type.

“I don’t get it. Why the heck ya gotta buy yer art things now?” Yuma was still grumbling even though Yuriko had tried to explain the situation.

“It’s an extra project… for school.” Again, Yuriko found herself lying. She surely hoped that when everything was peaceful, she wouldn’t need to do this. “I want good grades.” That at least was the truth.

Yuma shot a glare at Yuriko. “Yer obsession ain’t healthy! Hurry up now!”

The Vampire stomped with such huge steps that Yuriko almost needed to jog next to him. But she didn’t mind. This would be her heroic moment. She was like the main character of an adventure book, taking fate into her hands and making sure that the damsel in distress would be saved. In the end, Yuriko would witness how the said damsel would marry her prince. Perfection!

Finally, they arrived at the art store. Yuriko had never visited it before and couldn’t help but gape as she saw the shelves full of tiny paint bottles, canvases, brushes, and everything else. She wasn’t able to name all of it. The air was full of curious smells, too. Much more than the art classroom ever.

“Yuri-Yuri!” Elizabeth almost jumped at Yuriko the instant she stepped further in.

“Hah, what the hell yer doin’ here too?” Yuma glanced at the zombie girl and then Yuriko. “Ya weren’t shittin’ me, were ya?”

“No, no, no! Since Eli-chan moved to the special class, she has projects with the third-year students too. Of course, I had to take this chance to do it with her.” Lies, lies, lies. They kept piling up, and Yuriko felt like drowning.

“Yuma, I can’t believe that you’re accusing Yuri-Yuri of lying to you. She would never!” Elizabeth only managed to sink Yuriko’s heart even more. She was terrible, wasn’t she? Did she even deserve her new family when she was acting like this? “Just look at her! Now, you made her all sad. You should apologize, Yuma!”

Elizabeth took Yuriko’s hand and squeezed it. “Don’t worry about it. Yuma is a big idiot!”

“Hey!”

“I’m not wrong! And I’m going to bite anyone who hurts Yuri-Yuri!” Elizabeth stared at the Vampire, not minding that he was at least three times her size.

“Hah! Ya ain’t bitin’ me, you —”

“Ahem… excuse me… Can I, please, ask you to keep it down…?” A voice carried over the shelves before Eri roamed in the view. “Eh? Yuriko? And Yuma?”

Whatever Yuma had been about to say to Elizabeth, it was clearly wiped out of his mind as he turned to watch the tall blond woman whose apron was full of paint dots as if she had been in the middle of creating art herself.

“How can I help you, fellow humans?” Eri smiled.

“Vixen wanted to get some art stuff…” Yuma glanced at Yuriko.

Eri tilted her head. “Vixen?”

“Ehhh! Don’t mind that! But… but… we need plenty. Eli-chan and me, that’s it. I made a list!” Yuriko rumbled through her bag and pulled out a piece of paper. The little money she had would go for all that and she didn’t even know what to do with everything, but it was for the greater good, right? “Here!”

Eri took a list, eyeing it. “Some of these are in the storage room…”

A peek at Elizabeth’s direction revealed that the zombie girl was grinning. It had been her idea to include something heavy that wasn’t in the store itself. But still, Yuriko couldn’t help the squeeze around her heart. This was terrible!

“I know…” Yuriko looked at Yuma. “Can you… umh… give Eri a hand? You’re so strong after all. Eli-chan and I can collect everything else from the store.”

A groan pressed out of Yuma. “Don’tcha try to flatter me, Vixen…”

“I’m not… flattering…” Yuriko shifted. Her pleading gaze usually worked on Ruki, at least a little bit, but Yuma seemed to be immune to it. And if this wasn’t working out, Nalia would soon walk in and reveal the whole plan.

When Yuma stayed unshakable as a wall, Yuriko turned to look at Eri, trying to convey her wish without voicing it out. She needed to get Yuma distracted, out of sight. Meeting Eri’s eyes, Yuriko pleaded inaudibly.

Eri blinked but then flashed a smile. “Actually… it would help a lot.”

For a moment, there was only silence in the store. Everyone kept looking at each other until Yuma finally nodded. “Fine! But only ‘cause ya asked!”

As Eri led Yuma further in, Yuriko inhaled and clenched her hands into fists. Slowly she opened them one finger at a time. “We must hurry. Nalia should be here any time now.”

Turning around, Yuriko pulled Elizabeth out of the store and to the street. The timing was perfect since the red-haired woman was already roaming towards the shop. She waved her hand, and Yuriko followed her gaze, noticing Yuuto who stepped into a coffee house on the other side of the street.

Nalia was with Yuuto… That’s interesting. I guess they have started to enjoy each other's company even though Yuuto hasn’t said anything to me. Yuriko moved her gaze back to Nalia who also had failed to mention that she had been spending time with Yuriko’s big brother. Another time, Yuriko might have asked about it, but they were in a hurry and Yui was more important than what was going on between the two.

“Shouldn’t you two be at school?” Nalia frowned slightly after introductions and pointed at Yuriko and Elizabeth’s uniforms.

“Ah… no. We are at the local night school. So, we still have time before the first classes.” Yuriko explained, tugging the hem of her skirt.

“Yes, yes. No need to worry about us skipping classes. We wouldn’t do that.” Elizabeth nodded so frantically that it made Yuriko wonder if the girl had done the exact opposite. It wouldn’t have surprised her since Shin didn’t seem to mind the school schedule too much.

“I’m sorry you had to come here for us…” Yuriko started right after Nalia had hugged her. “But it’s kind of serious… and again about Yui-san. Komori Yui who was kidnapped by Yuma before.”

Nalia’s forest-green eyes were instantly filling with worry. “Oh no, don’t tell me it happened again.”

Finally, someone who was taking this seriously!

“No, no! But she’s in danger. There are some people who want to do something to her.” Elizabeth stepped closer, keeping her usually chirping voice down. “We don’t know what exactly they are planning but we think someone should give a warning about it.”

Patting her lips, Nalia gazed at the girls. There was a flow of emotions traveling through her face so fast that Yuriko couldn’t quite say what exactly was in her mind. But she remembered how Nalia had told her knowing about the Vampires and how dangerous they were. She had even promised to help Yuriko if Ruki would ever hurt her. But of course, that wouldn’t happen. Ruki wouldn’t do such a thing. Not anymore at least.

“I’m not sure what I can do about it…” Nalia sighed.

“Well… you have that contact… The person you talked about the kidnapping.” Yuriko pressed on. “So, maybe you could tell them again. And then they can tell Shu-san since Ruki refused to pass on the information…”

It was like a lighting had struck Nalia; she shivered, and her eyes widened. “What…? What has Shu to do with this?!”

“Everything!” Elizabeth jumped a little. “Yui is together with him; they will be married soon! But Yui doesn’t believe she is in danger and Ruki doesn’t want to tell him, so… We need someone to —”

“Shu… Shu’s… getting… married…?” The words dropped from Nalia’s mouth one by one. For a moment, she simply stared into a void, not meeting Yuriko’s eyes anymore. It was like Nalia sank somewhere right in front of Yuriko, mentally disappearing from this realm. The woman wrapped her arms around her body, quivering while her gaze started to turn teary.

“Nalia…” Yuriko placed her hand on Nalia’s shoulder, but the woman shoved it away.

“I can’t believe it…! No… It can’t be. He said… No way! Why? What did I do wrong? Why is this happening? I can’t…” Nalia crouched down, suddenly sobbing.

“Oh my gosh!” Yuriko clapped her hand over her mouth. What had she done? It was like Nalia broke down right then and there. Something cold slithered in Yuriko when she understood that she had probably ruined their budding friendship by asking for help again. Whatever this was about, it was because Yuriko had brought it up and now, Nalia was hurting.

“Yuri-Yuri! What’s with her? What did we do?” Elizabeth stared at Yuriko, gaping her mouth. Even she seemed to understand how bad Yuriko had failed.

“I… I don’t know…” Yuriko was about to reach Nalia’s head but pulled her hand back since she wasn’t sure if it was okay to touch the woman. “I’m sorry, Nalia… I didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t understand what is going on…��

“Shu… he…” Nalia tried to talk but her voice was drowned by her sobs. Her hands shook as she wiped her cheeks over and over again.

“Wait… Oh no…” It clicked in Yuriko’s head; Nalia’s dark past with the Vampires and how she probably knew the Sakamakis. No way! This was bad, so, so bad! Yuriko had triggered something, hadn’t she? Gosh, this was a disaster. She turned toward Elizabeth. “I saw Yuuto going to that cafe! Can you get him? Please, Eli-chan?”

“On my way!” Without further ado, Elizabeth dashed over the street and disappeared into the coffee house.

Yuriko crouched next to Nalia, still afraid of laying her hands on the woman. She stayed and stared, her heart squeezing even more while Nalia cried and held herself. “What… what happened to you? I mean… before…”

“Shu… Shu and I… We were…” The rest of Nalia’s sentence was merely mumbling, but Yuriko would understand enough. Ex-boyfriend or something like that, right? But relationships with the Vampires were never that simple, that much Yuriko had already learned. She should have known better than digging up these things.

But now, Yuriko had already failed and all she could do was to make things back to normal again. Rubbing her temples she surrendered into the whirl of thoughts. Support, Nalia probably needed support. Someone who would listen to her and tell her things would be alright. Maybe?

Swallowing, Yuriko inched closer to her friend. “Then why aren’t… you with him anymore?”

Nalia swayed, taking support from the ground with one hand. “He… left… me. I can’t believe that now there’s another…”

“I’m so sorry…” Yuriko shook her head. “I didn’t know…”

“Nalia!”

Yuriko was almost hit to the street when Yuuto dashed to the storefront. Without permission, he wrapped his arms around Nalia and pulled her into an embrace. She grabbed his shirt and buried her face in it while Yuriko stared at them, her mouth hanging open.

“What the hell didcha do?” Yuuto glared daggers over Nalia’s head.

“Nothing!”

“This ain’t lookin’ nothin’ to me! Fuckin’ teen pup! You can’t just bully people and tell them whatever!”

Yuriko dropped onto the street onto her bottom, gasping for air as tears rose in her eyes too. Yuuto… talking to her like this? Why…? She hadn’t meant anything bad! She had only wanted to protect Yui, and now… “I… I… haven’t bullied her. I asked for help and then this happened… I didn’t mean to…”

“You don’t think! That’s your problem! It’s like freakin’ last summer when you just popped into the Demon World and put yourself in danger. Don’t freakin’ do that to Nalia too!” Yuuto’s voice bounced from the walls and some people turned looking at them.

Heat flashed over Yuriko’s face, and she couldn’t prevent tears from falling down her cheeks as Yuuto groaned and stroked Nalia’s hair. Clearly, Yuriko had done something terrible, but she couldn’t get a proper grasp of it. Neither did she understand why Yuuto was so angry at her and didn’t even want to hear an explanation.

“You cool? Come on, let’s get up. It’s alright. I’m gonna take you to my place.” Yuuto pulled Nalia up and pressed the sobbing woman against him.

“I’m fine… Don’t be rude to Yuriko.” Nalia wiped her cheeks again. “It’s not her fault.”

Yuriko pushed herself up, trying to fix her skirt. If it was dirty at school, teachers would yell at her too, and right now, she couldn’t take that. Elizabeth appeared next to her and hugged her waist. She wrapped her arm around the zombie girl, hauling her closer.

“I’m sorry…” Yuriko swallowed.

Nalia averted her gaze. “It’s okay…”

“Hell, it is.” Yuuto gave Yuriko a glare. “I accepted the fact that you wanna be with Ruki. But don’tcha drag other people into this Vampire bullshit. You hear me?”

“I… I… I hear you…” Yuriko whimpered. She still didn’t understand why Yuuto was so angry but… Could she ask? What if Yuuto completely pushed her away? Then she would lose the big brother she had just gotten. No, Yuriko didn’t want that to happen. “I… I won’t say a peep of the… Vampire bullshit… anymore. I promise… I’ll be good.”

“Great, that’s what I wanted to hear.” Yuuto took a better hold of Nalia and started to walk away together with her. “And get to school. You shouldn’t wander around.” He glanced back and tried to smile. “See you later, Sis. Be good indeed.” The last words came out in a bit softer tone, but Yuriko could still distinguish annoyance in them.

Such a failure. This hadn’t helped either and now, Nalia was sad and Yuuto angry. Yuriko swallowed but couldn’t keep in a sob.

“It’s okay, Yuri-Yuri… Yuyu didn’t mean it. And we’ll figure something out.” Elizabeth held Yuriko, leaning on her. “We should go in before —”

Elizabeth’s voice was cut off when the store door slammed open, and Yuma rushed to the street. “What the hell happened? Why’s Vixen puttin’ on the weeps?!”

“The project got canceled…” Elizabeth said and swayed Yuriko. “Don’t cry, Yuri-Yuri… We’ll get another chance…”

“Oh… Well… shit…” Yuma shifted, looking like he didn’t know where to look or what to do. Finally, he landed his hand on Yuriko’s head and ruffled her hair. “Ya can give it another go later. I’m sure Ruki’ll arrange it. Don’tcha worry.”

“Erh… does that mean that you don’t need all the stuff?” Eri peeked from the door.

“For goodness’ sake, read the room!” Elizabeth groaned and clenched her arms around Yuriko.

“Eli-chan…” Yuriko hugged the zombie girl back. “It’s not… it’s not… Eri’s fault…”

Elizabeth sighed. “Sorry, sorry… I got carried away. But art supplies are the least of your worries right now…”

Eri was quiet for a moment. She nodded before stepping closer and caressing Yuriko’s arm. “I don't know what happened, but it's alright. Let me know if I can help in any way.”

#yuriko's story #diabolik lovers fanfic #yuma mukami #diabolik oc #yuriko tsukino #elizabeth virnien #eri kuukani #nalia wagner #yuuto tsukino

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yuriko-mukami · 7 months ago

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Her Calamity Dark 04

Beta reader: @ruki-mukami-dl

Chapter Selection

Yuriko was washing rice while Yuuto stood right next to her, watching her every move. Sunlight sparkled from the droplets of water, reminding her how sweltered it was outside. It was slightly sweaty in the apartment, too, for it was only one room, and this tiny kitchen along with a bathroom. And right now, the kitchen felt even smaller than usual since Azusa had come with Yuriko. He was now working on the second counter with a vegetable-cutting task he had volunteered himself.

“It’s not difficult. You should use fresh water and then you just keep washing until the water stays clear.” Yuriko rolled the rice over again and again by her hand while staring at it. She wasn’t the best cook – and nothing compared to Ruki – but she knew how to make a few dishes. “Kareeraisu is a convenient choice because you will eat it for several days and the taste only gets thicker later. I made it often when… when I was still living with… Keisuke. That way I could focus on… hmm… other things because I didn’t need to make meals every day.”

“Makes sense…” Yuuto shrugged. “He should have cooked for you tho. It’s a parental duty.”

“Umh… Mom always said it was a woman’s duty to make sure the family gets to eat…” Yuriko shifted. Not that their mother had done that too often. Yuriko had tried to do all possible household chores while studying in middle school and high school. She had wanted to be good. But it hadn’t been enough.

“Dontcha go there…”

Yuriko lifted her head, glancing at Yuuto. “Eh?”

“I know that face. Dontcha let that happen. There’s nothin’ you could done differently. Our parents didn’t know how to raise kids, that’s for sure. So, dontcha let it get you. You gotta keep your head up high and move forward.” Yuuto ruffled Yuriko’s hair, making her blink heavily. She wouldn’t cry now.

“Yuuto…”

“Oi, no cryin’. You’re a tough vixen who can push through, not a pup.” Yuuto smiled, making even more of a mess of Yuriko’s hair. “Didcha hear me?”

“I… I… yes, of course.” Yuriko nodded. She turned to look at the rice again and poured it into the rice cooker – the necessity she had told Yuuto should have. “Okay… now, we need to fry the pork and then simmer it with the vegetables.”

Yuuto pulled out a frying pan and tossed the meat on it. After setting the gas, Yuriko showed him how he should constantly move the meat with the cooking chopsticks so that it wouldn’t burn into the pan.

“How do you know all this?” Yuuto scratched his head. “I mean... you said our mother didn’t teach you much…”

“I read books. The library had some about cooking too.” Yuriko handed the chopsticks to Yuuto. “You should try it now. Haven’t you cooked anything before?”

“I know how to make an omuraisu.”

Yuriko tilted her head. “Eh? It’s super difficult to roll perfectly, I always end up breaking it. I bet you’ll manage the meat just fine then~”

As Yuriko kept her eyes on the frying pan, Yuuto worked on the pork. She was pleased to see there weren’t any problems at all. She should send the recipe later to his phone, and then he could make this dish anytime he wished. Next time she would teach him another easy dish.

“I found a cheap laundry service nearby, so that’s settled too.” Yuuto continued frying the meat. “I just need a steady job…”

“You could… ask Karlheinz-sama…” Azusa commended from his duty.

“Absolutely not. I’m not gonna ask that je–”

Yuriko gasped, clapping her hand on her brother’s arm. “Yuuto! Don’t say it!”

“Fuck!” Yuuto tensed under Yuriko’s touch, and she let go of him. “Sorry… It’s just… damn those bloo– Vampires. I still don’t like them…”

“Azusa-kun is right here…” Yuriko whispered.

“It is okay… Yuriko-chan… I know that… Christina, Justin and Melissa… will always… love me…”

Yuuto mumbled something, but Yuriko poked him between his ribs and left him alone with the frying pan, roaming toward Azusa. She had always wondered who these three friends of his were, for she had never seen them but Azusa had mentioned them often. Since he had been kind enough to bring her here, she should make an effort to get to know him better.

Leaning her bottom on the kitchen drawers, Yuriko smiled at the Vampire. “Say… Azusa-kun… umh… about Christina-san, Justin-san and Melissa-san…”

“Yes, Yuriko-chan?” Suddenly sparkly eyes glanced at the young Kitsune woman. Azusa held the knife firmly in one of his hands while nicely cut carrots occupied the chopping board with pieces of onion. There was still one potato waiting to be worked on.

“These friends of yours… Can I meet them one day?” Yuriko tilted her head, and her curls tickled her cheek.

If there had been sparkles in Azusa’s eyes before, now they truly lit up as if he had been waiting for this question all along. To Yuriko’s surprise, he put the knife away and started to roll up his sleeve, revealing his slender arm full of faded… Were those scars?

Azusa drew his finger along his arm. “This here is Justin…” He glanced at Yuriko and continued. “This is Christina… and this…” Azusa gasped. “Melissa… is… almost gone… I must do… something…”

Before Yuriko had time to react, Azusa had grabbed the kitchen knife again, running the blade over the barely visible scar. Crimson elixir poured on his white skin.

“Oh my gosh! Azusa-kun!”

“Fuck! Stop that shit!” Yuuto was on Yuriko’s side within a second, snatching Azusa by his wrist and forcing his hand up. Azusa fought back.

“Please… Yuuto-san… stab me…”

“Fuckin’ hell I’d do that! Now, gimme the damn knife!” Yuuto’s words made Azusa release his grip of the knife that Yuuto caught.

Yuriko whimpered, pushing closer. “Yuuto, please, don’t!”

“Huh? I ain’t gonna stab him!” Yuuto pressed the knife into Yuriko’s hands without letting go of Azusa. “What the hell is wrong with you?! You ain’t doin’ such shit in front of Sis, you hear me?!”

“Squeeze… harder… Yuuto-san…” Azusa sounded almost happy, making Yuuto’s eyes widen as Yuriko simply stared at the view. “Ruki said… I can’t ask… Yuriko-chan… but he didn’t say… I can’t ask you… to hurt me.”

Swallowing, Yuriko tossed the knife on the cutting board and took support from the counter. She didn’t understand what was going on with Azusa. Why had he cut his own arm? That must have hurt so badly, and now there was blood slithering down his arm, soaking his shirt. This was terrible. Yuriko clenched her fingers against the edge of the counter as the kitchen swayed before her. She was gasping for air, almost panting. She didn’t want to lose yet another family member. Azusa shouldn’t cut himself; he could hit a critical place and then… and then…

“Fuck! Sis! Breathe!” Yuuto snatched Yuriko by her upper arms, swinging her slightly.

“Is… she enjoying so much… that she is… out of breath?” Azusa’s face appeared closer. Two pairs of eyes stared at Yuriko, one worried, the other curious.

“I… I… can’t lose more people…” Yuriko trembled. Yuuto pulled her closer, enveloping her with his arms. For a while, there was complete silence in the kitchen as he stroked her back, swaying her back and forth.

“No one’s gonna leave you… It was just an accident.” Yuuto’s speech was mumbling against Yuriko’s hair.

“Yuuto-san… the meat…” Azusa said behind the siblings.

“FUCK!” Yuuto released Yuriko and dashed toward the stove, lifting the pan from it, and shutting down the gas. The smell of burning danced in the air when Yuriko tried to steady her breathing.

“Yuriko-chan…” Azusa touched on Yuriko’s shoulder.

Blinking tears from her eyes, Yuriko gaped. Azusa’s skin would heal… He wouldn’t go away because of a single wound. He was a Vampire after all; there was no reason to worry. Everything was alright. They were all safe.

“You okay?” Yuuto patted Yuriko’s head and waited until she nodded. “Listen, Sis. I’m gonna need your help. You know how to do this… So, it’s your task now to finish that dish. I’m gonna patch Azusa up in the meantime. Can you cook?”

Yuriko nodded again. “I… I… can.”

“Cool.” Yuuto grinned, turning around, and taking hold of Azusa’s arm. “You, with me.” Without further explanation, he walked the Vampire toward the bathroom. Yuriko was left alone in the kitchen, and it took a moment before she could cut the potato and start cooking again.

Yuriko poked her portion with the spoon. The atmosphere had changed after Azusa’s incident. It was clear that the Vampire wasn’t truly happy that Yuuto had wrapped a new bandage around his arm, securing the fresh wound under it. Yuriko wondered if she should tell Ruki about this later… but he probably already knew that Azusa might do something like this. At least it had sounded like that if Azusa wasn’t allowed to ask her to stab him.

Who would think such a thing beforehand without a reason? Yes, Ruki must already be aware that something like this could happen.

Shaking her head, Yuriko finally tasted the meal. Spices tickled on her tongue. She had added a bit too much but couldn’t be helped now.

“Yuuto-san… do you have… shichimi or chili?” Azusa looked at the Kitsune as if nothing had been up earlier.

Yuriko gaped. “But… but… there’s so much spice already…”

Azusa shook his head. “I could… add some more…”

“Haa… just a moment.” Yuuto rose from the table and went to get the chili. He placed the tiny jar in front of Azusa who gladly took it. It was almost disturbing how much of it he poured over his rice and curry sauce.

Yuriko turned her head and decided it was time to sail to the safer waters. Hopefully safer. “Yuuto… say… were you the only one with the white hair in the village?”

Yuuto was just about to push the spoon into his mouth but now lowered his hand. “Yeah. Why?”

“Umh… I wonder what they look like as foxes then?”

“Usually, the color of their fur is close to their hair. Like you and me.” Yuuto tasted the food and smiled. “Damn, this is good! You really know how to cook.”

“It’s just a simple dish.” Yuriko waved her hand hastily but couldn’t hide her smile. Still, her mind was wandering. “Are… are there other white foxes then?”

Yuuto shrugged. “Within the Yako, white’s a rare color. It occurs at times, like in our family apparently. It’s more common with the Zenko but even many of them have other fur colors too.”

“The Zenko?”

“The Kitsune in the Human World. All they do is cause trouble, so stay away from them. They kidnap the Yako children… I was in a rescue party at some point for gettin’ them back.” Yuuto frowned and explained how the Yako already had problems because the Vampires hunted their females and then the Zenko had made the situation even worse by taking some young vixens. It had been a constant fight and Yuuto had worked to get them back a few years ago. “But then Grandpa told me not to go to the Human World anymore. I did other jobs after that.”

Yuriko nodded. So, the fox she had seen could have been a Zenko. But the fox had only watched. And Yuriko was constantly with the Mukamis. So, there was no reason to worry about this matter, right?

Eating her food, Yuriko listened to the talk. Something felt off but she couldn’t quite put her finger into it. Maybe it was just because there was so much new information. Half a year ago she hadn’t known anything about the Kitsune aside from the folklore tales and now living as one had become her reality. Yet, all this talk about the Yako and the Zenko only sounded confusing.

“Umh… why… the Yako are living in the Demon World and the Zenko in the Human World?” Yuriko pondered between spoonfuls of rice. “I mean… they are all Kitsune. Why fight? They could just get along and live in peace.”

“The Zenko took over the Kitsune Realms in ancient times and chased the Yako out there. The Founders gave the Yako a new realm, so that’s why…”

“Eh? Shin and Carla-san did that?” Yuriko blinked. “Just when…?”

“Dunno. But it was probably their parents… I mean, those jerks are surely ancient but not that ancient.” Yuuto emptied his plate, starting to fill it again with rice and sauce. “Anyway, the First Bloods were away for the longest time. I only saw them comin’ this year. Suddenly, they walked in and said they’d renew the old vows. Whatever that means. It didn’t change a shit for me. But Grandpa was all ‘Carla-sama’, ‘Shin-sama’, beggin’ for their attention… disgustin’. For me, they’re the same blood-suckin’ scum as —”

“Yuuto!” Yuriko glared at Yuuto and then glanced at Azusa, but the Vampire was focused on eating his portion in silence and didn’t seem even to listen to the siblings’ conversation. “Yuuto… Shin is my friend and he helped me to save you. He made Grandpa give your star pearl back. We… we should be grateful.”

“Yeah… yeah…” Yuuto sighed. “You surely have been busy making such friends. Vampires, Founders… What else?”

“Umh… zombies but humans too.” Yuriko pushed the last spoonful into her mouth. This could be a good chance to mention Nalia. “Actually… one of my friends would like to meet you.”

“Huh? Why?” Yuuto frowned again. “I don’t have time for silly little teen vixens.”

“Hmph, my friends aren’t silly little teen vixens!” Yuriko shoved her plate aside and started to search for her phone. “Besides, you have all the time. And she isn’t a teen or even a fox. She’s a nice human.”

Yuriko put her phone on the table and tapped Nalia’s picture on the screen, turning the phone to face Yuuto. “She’s around your age and I can assure you she’s good company. She is looking for friends, so…”

“Haa… dunno… I shouldn’t mess up with people. Humans. There’s enough shit goin’ on without.” Yuuto shrugged but picked up the phone, staring at the photo. “Red hair and green eyes, huh? She’s a foreigner, right?”

“Mhm. Her last name is Wagner, so yes, I think she is.” Yuriko realized that she still hadn’t asked where Nalia was from. She totally should do that —

“Nalia-san… is probably from… Germany then…” Azusa said, smiling over his plate. “Wagner is… a German name.”

“See? Nalia is a pretty human lady from Germany, and she’s interested in meeting you.” Yuriko beamed at Yuuto, wondering how Azusa knew about German names. He didn’t strike her as a person who had knowledge like that, more like Ruki could have said it. But maybe there was more in Azusa than met the eye.

“Dunno…” Yuuto sighed, starting to eat his second portion.

Yuriko leaned in, putting on the best pleading face she could manage. She stared at Yuuto with wide eyes and smiled. “Please? It would make me happy.”

“Haa… You ain’t throwin’ me with such lil’ sis’ stuff! Not a fair game!” But no matter how annoyed Yuuto tried to look, a chuckle escaped him. He lifted his free hand and ruffled Yuriko’s hair. “Fine, I’ll meet her. Tell her to come to that park nearby.”

When Yuriko had put her shoes back on and was ready to step out of Yuuto’s apartment, he grabbed her arm and nodded toward the door. “You sure it’s okay to go alone with him?”

Glancing at the door, Yuriko frowned. Azusa was waiting for her behind it, but she was aware that he could hear them. She placed her hand over Yuuto’s and pushed to remove it from her arm. “I’m sure… don’t worry, Yuuto. I have lived with them for a while now. Neither of them is hurting me or anything like that.”

“He seems… unstable.” Yuuto sighed. “Look, I’ve seen shitty things. Some people just lose it if too much happens. Dontcha be too near to him when… Haa… if things start to go south.”

“Really, Yuuto?” Yuriko placed her hands on her hips and stared at her brother. “You… you and me… have gone through lots of bad stuff too. We… should get others a chance to prove themselves before judging.”

“He pretty much proved himself today…” Yuuto turned his gaze to the wall. “You’re much more stubborn than a little sister should be. You should listen to me more.”

“I… I… start to listen when you… umh… start to make sense.” Yuriko wanted to kick something. As much as she enjoyed having a brother, she wished that Yuuto didn’t butt in her decisions constantly. It had been enough that she had tried to be good for mother and fath– Keisuke. That hadn’t mattered in the least. Now, she would do as she wished. She would keep the happiness that had been handed to her. Even if she needed to fight for it.

“Hmph, vixens should always do as foxes are telling them…”

This again? Yuriko glared at Yuuto. That was the stupidest reason he could come up with, especially since he had learned it from their relatives who had kept him against his will in the Demon World for years.

“Maybe you should reconsider that. You wanted out of there… Now, you should play by the rules of this realm.” Why couldn’t Yuuto understand? Yuriko had imagined how they would do fun things together, how she would finally have a family member who supported her… but she had gotten an overly protective douchebag of a brother who couldn’t accept how she was living her life. “I… I… will go now. I’ll visit you again later. Maybe with Ruki that time. See you later, Yuuto.”

This time Yuriko was allowed to step out. She pressed the door shut behind her and took a deep breath. The sweltering and moist afternoon air slithered into her lungs while enveloping every inch of her skin, making her feel instantly sweaty. It hadn’t been this bad last summer… or any summer before but this year the heat was really a bother.

The walk through the city did not feel any better since the sun was scorching from above. Yuriko was relieved when they finally stepped into the park which had at least some shadows. She hurried under the trees. Maybe they should have used the limousine, but she had insisted on walking since she wasn’t allowed to go jogging in the woods while Ruki was away.

“Are you… sad, Yuriko-chan?” Azusa’s words took Yuriko aback. She glanced at the Vampire next to her, shaking her head.

“Umh… no, Azusa-kun. I simply wish that Yuuto would see how good people you all are.”

“Good… people…?” It almost looked like Azusa couldn’t quite understand what Yuriko meant. “But… are you… missing Ruki now?”

Yuriko turned her gaze to the path they were walking. Going through here would take them into the forest but perhaps that was for the best. Surely, it was less sweaty there. “I’m looking forward to him coming home, yes. And I hope everything is alright with Karlheinz-sama.”

“The Vampire king?!” The voice bounced behind the trees at the same time as a white-grey head peeked out. Amber-yellow eyes pierced Yuriko but they seemed friendly.

Within seconds, Azusa had moved in front of Yuriko. A young man stepped out, scratching his head, and laughing like he was nervous. He was only a little taller than Yuriko. She was pretty sure they must be around the same age. But the most interesting detail arrived when the wind shifted and made the scent of the man waft toward Yuriko and Azusa.

A Kitsune. Without a doubt. He smelled like Yuuto, yet a bit different. In a similar manner, the Vampires had a distinguished scent but each of them was still unique.

Yuuto said that white fur is rare for the Yako… So, does it mean that this man is… What was the other name? Yuriko shifted, trying to see better behind Azusa.

“You are… a fox person…” Azusa lifted his hand to prevent Yuriko from dashing in front of him.

“Yeah, I surely am.” The Kitsune grinned, flashing his canines, and ruffled his hair. “The cutest fox in the city… Though… Now, I’m not sure anymore. You have such a cutie there~”

“Emh… How do you know that I am…?” Yuriko placed her hand on Azusa’s shoulder but stayed put.

“Easy! My brother and I saw you in the cafe before… and that smell of yours. Though, there’s so much Vampire in it too.” The Kitsune stopped for a moment, moving a bit closer. “Now, it makes sense. You sure hang out with these Vampires a lot. Such a cool vixen you are! I hope the blond one didn’t give you real trouble… For a moment I wanted to jump in there but Toshi-nii said it would be too dangerous…”

Just how much did this young man talk? Yuriko tried to keep at his pace and absorb every word. Suddenly, it dawned on her. The two white-haired men in the cafe and later in the street when she had talked with Kou!

And in the library too. But it wasn’t this man… So… probably this Toshi-san he mentioned…

“Yuriko-chan… we must go…” Azusa took Yuriko’s arm and started to pull her along the path, making sure he was in between her and the Kitsune.

“But… but… He seems like a good person!” Yuriko glanced back.

“I am a cute person!” The man waved his hand. “Kozima Toru is the name! I’m happy to meet a new vixen in the city, but I can see you’re busy now. Let’s talk more later~ Maybe after the mating season is over!”

Kozima Toru? Yuriko glanced back again but the Kitsune had disappeared. The name didn’t ring any bells to her but at least it wasn’t Nakamura, her grandpa’s family name. Perhaps her grandfather had not sent this man after her. Men. The first time, there had been two of them. But then… They were tailing her on their own? That didn’t seem alright either, and Yuriko was sure Ruki wouldn’t like the news. Yet, she also knew it was better to tell him when he would come back home. Keeping secrets wouldn’t do any good, right?

#yuriko's story #diabolik lovers fanfic #azusa mukami #diabolik oc #yuriko tsukino #yuuto tsukino #toru kozima

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