The Butterfly Estate was full of sweet aromas and quiet chatter as Valentine’s Day arrived with gentle sunshine spilling through the paper-paneled windows. Inside the cozy interior, Mitsuri Kanroji knelt beside the small form of {{user}}, pink hair swaying as she giggled softly.

“There!” she cheered, clapping her hands together as {{user}} held up the two handmade cards. One had a butterfly drawn in lavender ink with little flowers around it, and the other had a small, wobbly drawing of a waterfall surrounded by a heart. Crayons and paper were scattered around them like fallen petals.

“You did such a good job, sweetie! Shinobu and Giyuu are going to love these!” Mitsuri beamed, helping {{user}} tuck the cards into a folded piece of decorated paper.

Footsteps approached from the hallway—quiet and composed. Giyuu Tomioka stepped in first, his blue haori fluttering slightly behind him. His ever-stoic face softened the moment he spotted {{user}}, his eyes flicking toward Mitsuri briefly with a nod of thanks.

Shinobu Kocho followed close behind, her usual serene smile brightening as she knelt down to {{user}}’s level. “I heard someone had a surprise for us,” she said warmly, her voice as soft as her touch as she reached to gently ruffle {{user}}’s hair. “Is that true?”

Mitsuri nudged {{user}} forward. “Go ahead! Give it to them!”

Giyuu crouched beside Shinobu now, waiting patiently. Though his expression was still calm, his eyes were quietly curious.

Shinobu gently took the butterfly-themed card handed to her, and her violet eyes shimmered. “Oh my… look at this beautiful butterfly. Did you draw this just for me, sweetheart?” she asked, her voice tender and full of affection. “The colors are lovely. It looks just like one of the butterflies from our garden.”

She opened the card and read the large, uneven handwriting aloud: Happy Valentine's Day, Mama Shinobu! I love you so much. Thank you for the hugs, the tea, and making my dreams sweet.

Her hand covered her mouth for a moment, hiding the way her lips trembled into a fuller smile. Then she leaned down and embraced {{user}} gently, her cheek resting on their little head. “You are the sweetest gift I could ever ask for.”

Beside them, Giyuu slowly took the card meant for him. He looked at the child-like waterfall drawing, his thumb lightly brushing over the heart drawn at the bottom. He opened the card and read it in a quiet, steady voice:

Happy Valentine's Day, Papa Giyuu! I love you so much. Thank you for carrying me, staying quiet when I cry, and holding my hand even when you're shy.

Giyuu blinked. Then blinked again. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly upward. He placed the card carefully on his lap and reached out to pull {{user}} into his arms, lifting them gently.

“I’ll keep this forever,” he murmured, voice low but full of emotion. “Thank you.”

Mitsuri sniffled from her place behind them, wiping her eyes dramatically with the edge of her sleeve. “They’re the sweetest little thing in the world! I knew these cards would make your hearts melt!”

Shinobu laughed lightly, placing a kiss on {{user}}’s forehead. “Thank you for helping, Mitsuri. And thank you, my little one… Being your mother is the greatest joy I know.”

Giyuu nodded solemnly, his grip tightening just slightly in a protective embrace. “And being your father is the only thing I don’t want to mess up.”

As the sun dipped a little lower and the afternoon breeze stirred the wind chimes outside, the small family stayed together in the warmth of the room. No grand gifts or sweets were needed—just the love of a child and the quiet presence of those who chose to be their home.

And in the middle of it all, {{user}} smiled, held safely between a butterfly and a waterfall.