Chapter 18

"Naora, precious! I'm so happy you've returned!"

Yagari gave Kaien ample room to leap across the space between himself and Naora when Kaien spotted them walking together out in the courtyard. Naora had taken two days off and Kaien's exuberance made the time seemed like weeks.

Naora gingerly hugged Kaien. "Me too."

Frowning at his friend, Yagari edged closer to Naora and mumbled, "Watch it, headmaster. Naora's still healing."

Kaien made an approving noise when he saw Yagari's hand slide protectively to the small of her back. Yagari hadn't realized he had done it until Kaien's silly expression aimed at him.

Naora smiled at Yagari's embarrassed look. She twirled some of her hair and glanced away at his glower.

"Whatever happened to those cute rings you always wear?" Kaien questioned when he saw one ring adorning her index finger instead of many on all her fingers.

She glanced at her hand for a long moment. She soon smiled. "Oh, change of pace. I think one will do just fine."

Kaien actually seemed disappointed. "But they're so darling on you."

Naora giggled. "I'll be here long enough for you to see all that I have." She curled her lock of hair behind her ear and glanced at Yagari. "Right?"

She couldn't have been happier at the idea of a prospering teaching life at Cross Academy. This, plus regular visits with Yagari and Kaien. And maybe, just maybe she could get to know Kiryu's progeny.

Yagari nodded. "For sure."

As Yagari and she warmly appraised each other, Kaien grinned. "Fuu, you two are adorable. Can you kiss for me?"

Yagari was appalled, but Naora answered with energy, "Sure!" and pecked his cheek before he could retort with a no.

Blushing at the public display of affection, Yagari didn't add anything. He ran a hand through his hair.

Naora waved at them. "I've gotta go. See you later, boys."

As she walked away, Yagari's vision lingered on her a little while longer. Kaien soon said, "I like when you're not jumping off the walls of my office. You're very much Toga again."

"Tell me about it. Did you already know she met Zero's parents years ago?"

"Whoa, say that once more?"

The query didn't come from Kaien, but Zero when he overheard Yagari. Zero's brow was raised. Kaito was next to him, also interested in what Yagari just spoke.

Yagari caught Zero's astounded question. "Yes, dear Zero. What I said is true. She met them before you and Ichiru were cells multiplying in your mother's womb."

Kaito nudged the silver-haired man. "Hey, isn't that wild? She could've saw you when you were a baby!"

Kaien beamed at the thought. "Ho, ho, ho! That may be true. Yagari, do ask Naora for details. How cute were those widdle tykes in diapers?"

Reddening, Zero covered his face. "Oh, god."

Aside from Yagari, the other Hunters guffawed in good humor. Yagari eventually gave in and chimed with, "Maybe she even had the chance to change you, too. Her hands are very nice."

"Master!" Zero balked. His entire face had brightened to total crimson.

Everyone roared in laughter.

- THE END -