The Return of the Witch

They had been asleep for almost a month. However, according to Alfred's observation, Natsume would be back soon.

Of course Neko was looking forward to it. However, his heart will be happier if his lover gets up first.

It's not meant to be favoritism, it's just that a woman will be calmer if the person she really cares about is with her first, right?

Currently, Neko is working with Harukawa Sora and Tsumugi Aoba to make an ancient potion aimed at hastening Natsume's return. Not without reason they did that.

From Eichi's beads that Sora had seen, he could conclude that Eichi's next move was Neko. Although he wasn't completely sure, but one day it would definitely happen.

"Neko-chan, the medicine is finally finished!"

Sora immediately rushed to the room that Gabriel and Alfred had specially prepared for Natsume. Both Neko and Aoba just smiled at that. However, at least Neko felt a little relieved that Natsume would be by her side again.

"Neko-san, don't you want to go to campus? You might be expelled," said Aoba.

Aoba's words have some truth. However, she also didn't want to meet one of the Tenshouin descendants who had almost killed his lover.

"Aoba-senpai, I...."

"Ojou-chan, do you have a minute?"

Rei interrupted them. And Neko said goodbye to her two best friends to follow Rei.

"Rei-san?" asked Neko after Rei asked her in front of Ritsu.

Hesitantly, Neko looked at Ritsu who was fast asleep. In fact, she felt that Ritsu had found peace.

'Ritsu ...,' she thought.

She stretched out his hand and gently stroked his lover's black mane. She doesn't know how much he misses Ritsu's figure who is always lazy, and underestimates everything, and smiles at any time.

"Although it's heavy, I think I should say this," Rei interrupted.

Neko did not answer. However, he was ready to listen to whatever Rei had to say.

"Neko, we will move Ritsu to the place of his birth. Because, the longer he is here, there is a high chance that the Demon will be after his life," explained Rei.

"How long ... how long will he be conscious?"

"You remember what Ritsu said? We vampires will sleep for a very long time to recover from serious injuries. But, Ojou-chan don't worry. We'll let you know when he wakes up."

"When? Is it when I die?"

Hearing the bitter tone, Rei gently stroked the shoulder of his brother's lover. "No, I'll make sure he wakes up as soon as possible."

"Rei? Neko?"

The voice of a woman in a hurry made them confused. Neko immediately removed her sad expression.

"Come on, Gabriel called," said Rei who led the way. Neko also followed Rei. However, before she really left, she kissed Ritsu's forehead and expressed how much he missed Ritsu by his side.

"I love you," whispered Neko.

*****

"Rei? Neko?"

"We're here, Gabriel," Rei replied as he descended the stairs together with Neko.

And at the same time, Neko caught a familiar figure in her eyes. A man she also missed for a long time.

"Haha~♪ Neko-chan, is not a dream," Sora scolded.

Neko still couldn't believe the man was back. She gripped the man's hand tightly.

"How long are you going to stare at me like that, Koneko-chan?"

Neko suddenly burst into tears. Then she hugged the man and channeled all the joys and sorrows she experienced alone.

Natsume didn't mind either. Instead, he returned the hug of his childhood friend and patted his back gently.

"Relax, I'm here, Koneko-chan."

Natsume knew that the girl in his arms had gone through many difficult things alone. He must have known that Neko would be alone in the park, the place where he usually picks up Neko.

Seeing this, Alfred hugged Gabriel from behind. They had not seen anything touching since Hana left this house.

Rei also smiled happily. Because, one of his younger siblings came back. Even though he's not a real brother, Rei still thinks of him as a younger brother. And with this, Rei can make Neko release Ritsu in the long term.

Natsume released his hug and wiped the tears from Neko's cheeks. "Okay, you'll be crying later. After all, I'm strong enough to do anything."

*****

Three hours later, Neko rested her head on Natsume's shoulder. She looked very tired from all that he had lived alone.

Natsume didn't seem to mind either. Instead, he likes Neko when he is spoiled with her. However, he really doesn't like seeing Neko sad just because of a problem.

Yes, Rei had already told him, Gabriel, and Alfred's plan to bring Ritsu back to where he came from.

"Vatican?" said Natsume.

"Sure. At least my brother can rest without being targeted by demons," Rei replied.

"Well, as long as you tell Koneko-chan Ritsu's condition, I'm fine."

"Relax, I also asked Wanko to take care of Neko when she was alone," said Rei which provoked a confused look from Natsume.

Rei put down the cup of tea in his hand. He looked at the two friends with a gentle yet serious gaze.

"I hope you will be more careful this time. With our departure, the werewolves will automatically monitor the humans and expand their territory. Including the demons at once."

Neko grabbed Natsume's hand. It was as if, she was saying if she just let Ritsu go and hoped that Natsume wouldn't leave his life again.

"Hmm... don't underestimate me. At least, I can become strong in no time as long as Sora and Aoba are with me."

"Good luck," said Rei.