Playtime
Tsukiko watched as her youngest, Kiyoko, and her oldest Bailey were playing together on the floor of the playroom. Tsukiko often struggled to understand the games they’d play together but that is not their fault. She enjoyed observing them both play regardless. It started as her checking on them to make sure they were both safe. Slowly even after she knew everything would be fine she still felt the urge to be around. She even had urges to join in on the games sometimes but she was unsure how.
Layla had been encouraging her to try following those urges. That’s how she ended up here, watching her own children from the shadows of the doorway. Something in her felt soothed as she watched the two having fun. They haven’t noticed her presence yet it seems. She can’t help but be worried about that fact. What if it was someone besides her watching them? Maybe she was just being a little paranoid. She’d talk to Layla about it later. Layla would know if it’s paranoia or a viable concern.
Tsukiko tried to push her worries away for the time being. After all, she was here to protect them. Right now they’re both holding foam sticks in the shape of swords. A strange toy but they seem to be enjoying play fighting with each other and Bailey is showing excellent restraint in using just the right amount of force to give her little sister a challenge but not too much to accidentally hurt her. Maybe it was time to start teaching her how to use a real one instead of the usual wooden training ones. Kiyoko though seemed to be naturally talented. Maybe when she gets a bit older she can find an instructor for her if she still has an interest in swordplay.
Tsukiko began wondering if this is what her and Eris would have been like if things had gone differently. Maybe then she would know how to approach her own children instead of watching from the shadows. Then again Eris was able to play with them no problem. This was purely a her problem. It’d be useless to blame anyone or anything else. This was a mess. She lets out a sigh as she begins to wonder if she turned out just like her mother. It seems her children are more perceptive than she gave them credit for. Bailey’s head immediately popped up. Kiyoko’s head soon after follows her older sister’s. “Mom?” “Mommy?”
Before she thinks about it she's walked into the room and rested a hand on both of their heads. “I’m here. I just couldn’t help but notice you two were having fun and didn’t want to interrupt.” She says gently explaining herself to her children. Kiyoko excitedly practically bounced up to her. Tsukiko’s mind gets distracted for a moment wondering how such an innocent adorable creature could be so excited about her. “Mommy can you play with us?” Kiyoko innocently asked, having no idea the hard spot she just put her mom in. She looked over to Bailey who was looking away. With both of them wanting her to join her heart couldn’t just say no. Seeing them disappointed isn’t something she ever wants to see even if she feels like one.
“Alright but you both have to teach me how to play.” Tsukiko says, agreeing to play. She hopes Layla was right to encourage her to do this. Soon she finds herself partaking in their game and enjoying it. Eventually, she finds herself with a toy sword defending herself from her kids’ ‘vicious’ attacks. It’s a shock to realize that she’s actually having fun. So much fun that she lost track of time if Layla smirking in the doorway is anything to go by. “Looks like you three are having fun but it’s time for dinner.” The kids look a bit disappointed as playtime is over. Tsukiko of course helps with tidying the playroom back up. By the time it’s done the kids have luckily realized how hungry they are. They go running off to the dining room. Tsukiko was about to go after them to make sure they didn’t fall or get hurt when Layla grabbed her arm and whispered two words to her. “Told you.”