A/N: Hi! This is my first venture into the realm of Fanfiction, but don't go easy on the reviews. I appreciate any feedback, be it 'I enjoyed this chapter, but' or 'This is why I don't like your story' or even 'This is literal cancer, please stop' (so long as you explain why it was awful). Another quick note- this story has humor in the genre, but this first chapter came off as more serious than I would've liked, so I added drama. I promise the next few will be less emotional. Without further ado- on with the story!

Only one word adequately described Corrin's emotions as he brandished his brand new college diploma: FREEDOM!

Freedom to choose where he wanted to spend his life, toiling away in the hopes of achieving his lifelong dream of owning his very own restaurant where families could enjoy a peaceful night out without concern for the constant money-grubbing schemes of the large food chains. One such chain was Nohr Steakhouse, the epitome of a 'high-end' dining experience thinly veiling a most disgusting plot to empty the customers' wallets. The CEO of Nohr, Garon Dusk, insisted that his corporation was determined to give its patrons the most dignified atmosphere in a steakhouse at the lowest possible price. Of course, all CEOs would say that about their treasured companies, but Garon specifically disgusted Corrin because of his repulsive behavior at home. How he had won his mother's heart, Corrin would never know.

Corrin had grown up surrounded by half-siblings. His mother, Mikoto, was in her third marriage, the first two having been cut short after Corrin's father left and her second husband died in a car accident. Garon was Mikoto's third husband, and, to Corrin's knowledge, the laziest and most revolting of the three. He spent his days threatening interns and employees, his nights sprawled across the couch in the living room demanding more beer from his wife. He WAS the CEO of Nohr, but that gave him no excuse to treat his own wife like an underling!

Corrin was torn from his thoughts by an abrupt slap to the back and a giddy laugh. He turned to witness his best friend Hinata pump his fist in excitement.

"YEAH! How's it feel, huh?! WE'RE DONE!" Hinata yelled, drawing the attention of several passersby.

Corrin couldn't help but chuckle at the brunette's energy. Hinata had always been a bit… extra, but Corrin figured it made his days a little more vibrant.

"It's an awesome feeling! We can finally begin our lives in earnest," was Corrin's reply.

Hinata's grin widened. "Just think: you can finally start that restaurant you're always talking about, and I can begin my training to become a SAMURAI!"

This was an inside joke of theirs. Hinata's family was big into kendo, and he was no exception. His largest aspiration was to one day own a dojo to train his own generation of 'tiny samurai,' as his family called the members of their dojo. Of course, Hinata wasn't the oldest in his family, so he wouldn't inherit his father's dojo. He'd have to launch his own.

Corrin and Hinata resumed their trek through the post-graduation crowds, navigating carefully towards their parking spots (adjacent, which occurred by pure coincidence as Hinata had shown up late to their first day of classes and taken the first open spot he saw. He had stuck to it ever since.)

A flash of purple hair alerted Corrin to an approaching female. The school fashion diva, Oboro, was outgoing and sociable, and this encounter was no exception. She waved to the duo as she sauntered up to them.

"Hey boys, there's a graduation party at Orochi's tonight at six if you wanna come," she offered once she was close enough to engage in conversation.

"HA! WE'LL BE THERE!"

Corrin mentally cringed. It was no secret that Hinata had a major crush on Oboro, but his tendency to yell (more than usual) when she was around startled Corrin every time. He decided to cover for his friend before he made an even bigger fool of himself.

"That sounds great. I appreciate the invitation, Oboro."

She flashed her signature smirk. "Hinata appreciates it even more, apparently."

The aforementioned brunette rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "...Yeah, I guess so. I hear Orochi makes an AWESOME punch!"

Corrin suppressed a laugh at his friend's diversion. He knew full well why Hinata was pumped for the celebration. "Do you know who else is going?"

Oboro tapped her foot in thought. "I hear that Xander and Ryoma will both be there to cater for the party. A little variety in the food should spice things up… not to mention the rivalry between those two."

Corrin blanched.

Hinata, taking notice of his friend's odd gesture, asked, "Hey! What's wrong? Scared of a little competition?!"

"No," Corrin said with a sigh, "But they'll both be expecting a reply to their respective job offers."

Hinata snorted and clapped Corrin on the back. "Don't sweat it! They'll understand no matter WHICH restaurant you choose to work for!"

That's the thing. Neither of them seem ready to accept me deserting their side of this debate.

Oboro rolled her eyes. "You'd better show up in something snazzier than that if you're coming. That goes for both of you."

Hinata winked. "I can do SNAZZY!"

Corrin smiled in spite of the situation. Even if his two older brothers were competing for his service, he could still try to have some fun before the serious tone overwhelmed him.

"I'm sure you can, Hinata. See you guys later!"

With those parting words, Oboro walked off. Hinata turned to Corrin. "Hey, you think I have a shot?!"

"You can do most anything you set your mind to," Corrin answered somewhat cryptically.

"That's not an answer!" Hinata shouted. They had reached the parking lot, and, in lieu of answering, Corrin laughed, waved a quick goodbye, and climbed into the cab of his car.

"Ahhh~!"

Corrin heaved a great sigh of relief as he collapsed onto his couch within his small, cozy apartment. He had spent the last weekend moving things in with the assistance of one of his younger brothers, Takumi. He reached for the remote, intent on switching on the news channel, but stopped abruptly as a small giggle erupted from somewhere behind him. The sound was immediately followed by panicked shushing, which only caused more poorly suppressed giggling. He smiled, knowing the source of the sounds could only be two people.

"Hm, I think I'll go get some food before I settle down to watch the news," Corrin stated loudly. "I'll just have to pass by this couch and try not to trip on anything… or anyone."

The last bit was emphasized pointedly. He heard scuttling behind his couch, and tried to hide a giggle of his own as he heard a voice sputter out in a whisper, "H-hey! Elise! You're stepping on m-my dress!"

"Sorry! ...D'you think he heard us?"

"I don't know, did I?" Corrin asked, leaning over the couch to spot his younger sisters, Elise and Sakura, scrambling away from him.

"AH!"

"EEK!"

Unable to hold back any longer, Corrin let out a hearty chuckle. "Hello, Elise, Sakura. Any reason you're hiding out in my apartment, or were you just bored?"

Elise puffed out her cheeks in a childlike pout. "Why'd you have to ruin the surprise? We were gonna throw a party for you getting out of school, but you caught us!"

Sakura looked close to tears. "We're very sorry, brother! We j-just wanted to make you happy!"

Elise nodded her head vigorously, her blonde tresses bouncing. "Ever since Xander and Ryoma started fighting, we thought you were sad! So we wanted to throw a surprise party to cheer you up!"

"Whoa, whoa! Who said I was angry?" Corrin questioned. "I'm happy to see you thinking about others' emotions, but what's happening with Xander and Ryoma isn't your fault. You shouldn't feel guilty about what you did; the opposite, in fact!"

Sakura let out the breath she had been holding, finally content that she wasn't in trouble. Elise beamed at Corrin's praise, and threw her arms around him in a hug.

"So, do you want anything to drink?" Corrin asked, his instincts as a host beginning to kick in.

"Leave everything to us, big brother!" Elise declared.

Sakura added, "We brought you cookie cake…"

At this, Corrin's eyes widened. "Cookie cake? How'd you know it's my favorite?"

Elise stuck out her chest in pride. "Leo told us you were practicular to this varicety of dessert!"

Corrin raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure he didn't say that I'm particular to this variety of dessert?"

But Elise was no longer listening, as she raced off to retrieve the treat. Sakura meekly replied, "That sounds about right…"

Corrin stared suspiciously at his red-haired younger sibling. "...You know you can tell me anything, Sakura. You're worried about something- I can tell by the way you're acting shyer than usual."

Sakura flinched, as if hit by a stray baseball bat. "I… suppose you're right… It's about Takumi and Ryoma."

"What about them?"

"They seem… distant. It's like they only care about their jobs at Hoshido right now."

Grimacing, Corrin stated, "I thought that might be the case. Look, Sakura, it's none of your concern what they do or say concerning the restaurant. If you don't want to work there when you grow older, then you aren't obligated to. They want all of the men in the family to pass down the company name, but… well, it's complicated. They think I'm obligated to be the next to join the crew, but I'm not sure it's the right path for me. I'll have to make a decision eventually," Tonight, he corrected in his head, "but for now, you shouldn't be too worried about it, all right?"

It wasn't Sakura's responsibility to be concerned, but Corrin dreaded the decision in the dark recesses of his mind. Join Hoshido Hibachi Grill, cooking alongside Ryoma and his elite group of chefs? Or did his loyalties lie with Nohr Steakhouse, reforming the values that the corporation held alongside Xander and his companions?

Sakura sighed. "All right."

"Speaking of not worrying… the cake is here!"

As a side note, if you were wondering everyone's degrees, Corrin has one in culinary arts and Hinata studied business management. Next chapter, we will witness Corrin and Hinata's shenanigans at Orochi's party, and some Corrin/Big Bros interaction. Adieu!