Title: Business and Pleasure
Author: CreativityIsIntelligence
Word Count: 2,827
Page Count: 6 (six)
Genre: mostly romance and a little humor
Paring: Brother Conflict Various (which in my book basically means all of them) x Oc
…
Keys
"Talking"
'Thinking'
Emphasize (or it could just mean sarcasm)
Emphasize (2)
….
Summary: Chieko was a hardworking student, putting academics before her joy and relationships. Her dad remarried, and she and her older sister (by one year) moved out to live with their new brothers. Will the brothers be able to bring a little fun into her life?
…
Ema and Chieko sat together in the lounge area, with heir new family. Ema seemed to be having a great time, a soft smile was on her lips as she conversated with her soon to be family members. She appeared to be genuinely excited about getting to know them. Ema couldn't be happier in her current situation.
Chieko, on the other hand, felt the complete opposite. This just seemed so unnecessary to her. For years she and Ema have been able to cope just fine alone. Rintarou would visit from time to time but it was mostly just them and Chieko had learned to accept it, she eventually even began to find comfort in it. In some way, it just didn't feel right to welcome such an abundant number of brothers into her life, so late into her life.
However, even though she would go so far as saying she despised the situation, she chose to put up with it. She had grown up with Ema, she knew her like the back of her hand, and to add to it Ema was an open book. She watched for years as Ema struggled to hide her yearning for a big family, or at least for a family. Rinataro was rarely home and they were both so young, no matter how much the both of them tried it never felt like a whole, complete family, and deep-down Chieko knew if things continued on the way they were, it never would.
She had cast away her own feelings and decided to just cope with it for the sake of her family…her true family, Rintarou, and Ema. To her, what really mattered was that they both were happy, and no matter how much she wanted to deny it, Rintarou had found happiness and love with Miwa, and Ema would be happy with a big family.
So that brought her to her current position. Sitting cross-legged on the couch between Ema and Ukyo. With all her might and will, she tried to ignore the urge to open up the book that was clutched tightly in her hand and read like a maniac. If it were any other situation she wouldn't mind seeming rude, but she knew how much this meeting meant to Ema and she didn't want to let her down.
As Chieko tuned into their conversation, desperately trying to distract herself, she was able to catch Wataru shouting something like 'Fuu-tan'? She felt curiosity wash over her, and she began to discreetly assess the situation, hoping to find a clue on what he meant. Looking up, she found herself gazing at the television screen, where an idol seemed to be performing a live concert. He had messy strawberry blonde hair that was pinned to the side by four yellow clips. A smile stretched across his lips but didn't reach quite his eyes.
"What a fake smile"
Chieko had realized a little too late that she had voiced her thoughts. She felt her eyes widen a fraction but she quickly willed herself to go back to normal. She seriously hoped she didn't ruin Ema's first meeting. Ema would be heartbroken.
Ema wanted to die…and take her sister with her. How could she say that? She just outright told them that their brother -and soon to be her brother as well- had a "fake" smile. Who does that? She had never in her life seen or heard someone say something remotely similar to what her genius of a sister just said. Then again it never worked out for her when she tried to compare her…unique, sister to others.
Suddenly Tsubaki jumped up from where he sat near his twin, letting loss joyful laugh. Walking towards the confused brunette, he plopped down in between her and his blonde older brother. He slung his arm around her, a huge grin threatening to rip his face in half, on his lips.
"You my dear Imōto (1) get it! I've been saying the same thing for years now, yet no one ever listens to me. I'm glad that now there is at least one sensible person in this household" he exclaimed excitedly.
Chieko could only nod whilst awkwardly trying to shrug his hand off her form, feeling extremely uncomfortable with him intruding on her personal bubble.
Trying to change the subject Iori proceeded to mention how he recalled not seeing 'Fuu-tan' in a while, the other brother pipping in as well.
As they got into a conversation revolving around the idol, Ema couldn't help but wonder who exactly the famous singer was to them, and it must have shown on her face as well as Masaomi went on to explain.
"He's our brother," the pediatrician said, taking Ema by shock. Chieko, on the other hand, gave herself a pat on the back for being able to guess that from the pieces of information the brother had revealed while talking.
Masaomi then went on to explain the idol's circumstances. He mentioned his stage name was Asakura. His real name was Asahina Fuuto and he was fifteen years old.
While Ema seemed eager to soak up any and all information about her new family, Chieko deemed the subject irrelevant and frankly boring and went back to trying to deny the temptation of her book.
Chieko sighed once again as she listened to Ema retell her today's events, all of which she had been present during. She loved Ema, she truly, truly did but…her patience was running thin.
Ema had texted Chieko late in the night, saying she just could not seem to fall asleep. Now Chieko, being the good little sister that she was, offered to keep her company. She even pretended she couldn't sleep as well, so her sister wouldn't feel guilty keeping her up…but at this moment she was sorely regretting it.
Massaging her eyelids, Chieko tried to calm herself down before she took out her frustration on her older sister. She knew Ema didn't deserve to be yelled at, especially since she had done nothing wrong, but today could easily be compared to a roller coaster…and, not in a good way.
"And then you said that you thought his smile was fake, and I thought I was going to die but it turned out alright because Tsubaki-san seemed to think the same thing and…" Ema continued to ramble on. Not many people knew of this side of Ema, in fact, Chieko was the only person who Ema ranted to. She never said anything as long to not anyone not even Rintarou. As much as she appreciated the fact that her sister was comfortable around her, sometimes it was a little too much for her to handle.
Standing up abruptly, she stomped out of the room, saying she needed to go to the bathroom. She just needed to get out before her brain exploded. Just as she was about to leave the room after yanked the door open she was blocked by a cart. The cart filled to the brim with…gifts? Everything from to food and roses to stuffed rabbits.
Raising a perfect brow, she popped her head through the opening and looked at the hallway hoping to find the culprit. She was met with the back of the third son of the Asahina family, Kaname. Just as she was about to call out to him he turned around. He must have heard her since she had made no attempt to be silent. He seemed surprised and slightly guilty to see her.
"Did I wake you up?" he asked, poorly concealed guilt coating his every word.
She just shook her head, before looking at the cart in a questioning manner.
"It's a gift," he said, "from everyone"
Kaname started to walk towards her, he pushed the cart into Ema's room. She wordlessly thanked Kaname, while Ema chose to verbally thank him.
"Thank you, Kaname-san"
He looked up "call me Onee-chan" he insisted.
"O-onee-chan" Ema tested it out, her face beet red as she looked everywhere except for the blonde.
"I like how it sounds coming from you. Say it again" he demanded. Just as Ema was about to comply with his wishes, Chieko stepped in.
"Thank you for the gifts, but I think you should be going now…onee-san" she ground out between her teeth. She said the last word in an almost threatening tone, Ema seemed obvious as ever to it, but Kaname seemed to have caught on…hm, maybe he wasn't as dense as she had originally thought.
Just as he began to leave, she stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her. Running after him she grabbed his wrist stopping him. He seemed surprised at her touch and quickly turned around to face her.
Letting go of his hand as if it were on fire, she linked her hands behind her back and looked the taller man straight in the eyes.
"Kaname-san, from what I have observed so far, you're a good guy. Let's just hope my view of you doesn't change as I get to know you better" after saying that she turned on her heel and went to her room, not sparing the shocked older man a second glance.
Sighing Chieko pulled out her supply of toiletries from her organized packing boxes. She stood up and went to her desk where she found a roughly drawn map of the house.
"For bathing, please use the bathroom on the fifth floor. The bath in this room is currently not working"
After trekking down the stairs and walking through the agonizingly long hallway, she finally made it to the bathroom. Chieko headed to the door, about to knock when the door was suddenly opened. She looked up to see a half-naked Subaru. His wild dark grey hair stuck to his forehead. Water drops were racing down his pale body as he stood in front of her with nothing, but a flimsy towel loosely wrapped around his waist.
He pulled the water bottle he was drinking away from his lips, looking at her with confusion apparent in her eyes. Chieko said nothing she just stared at him blankly.
After a few seconds, he seemed to realize just what he was wearing, or more so just what he wasn't wearing. His face flashed through fifty shades of red as he was frozen in place stuttering out apologizes.
Chieko just shook her head "its fine…but do you mind moving or hurrying up. I want to take a bath"
He just nodded before scurrying back into the bathroom to get changed.
Chieko sighed in satisfaction as she exited the bathroom after a relaxing bath, She ruffled her wet hair slightly, feeling the water transfer onto her shirt. She smiled slightly, but it was gone as quickly as if came. She was about to head back up to her room when she caught a glimpse of a mop of awfully familiar brown hair.
'Ema?'
Sighing for what felt like the hundredth time that day, she followed who she could only assume was her sister.
"There's something I must tell you"
"What's that" those voices were vaguely familiar.
"We have been together for a long time now...right?" Tsubaki?
"That's alright" Azusa. That was definitely Azusa.
"But lately, when I am with you, I-I feel different."
Suddenly she and her sister were snapped out of their revival by someone call out to them. They both turned around to see Subaru, but this time fully dressed, with a towel loosely hanging around her neck. Though when his eyes met Chieko's his face exploded in red and he looked away.
"My heart starts racing, and I can't breathe. I feel irritated when I see you smile at other people"
"Huh"
" I love you. Be mine"
"Ah, those two are – " Subaru tried to explain but was interrupted as Ema excused herself to head back to her room. He could do nothing but nod his head.
"What's this? Is something wrong?" came the teasing voice of Tsubaki as he made his way up the stairs, Azusa not far behind him.
Thoughts like 'this is wrong' and 'their siblings' floated around in Ema's mind though she was not able to stop her self from blurting out "I'll support you" she then gained some confidence "we're family no matter what"
Subaru tried to interject and tell her the true story before things got too complicated but no one listened to him.
The twins seemed confused and since her sister looked as if she was going to pass out from embarrassment, Chieko decided to speak up "we overheard your…ahm conversation"
"Conversation?" Azusa questioned though he quickly realized what she meant "oh, that"
"Ah, I see," Tsubaki said as he as well realized what she had meant. His eyes suddenly narrowed, mischief glowing in his purple orbs. "That's right. I can't hold it any longer" he confessed closing his eyes "I couldn't stop myself, I had to tell to him"
Subaru began to stammer and sputter out in surprise and confusion. Doubting what he thought he knew.
Ema than apologized, but Tsubaki insisted it was fine. Saying it was a mutual love as he wrapped his arms around his brother. He then turned to Azusa, who had a neutral expression, much like the one Chieko was wearing.
"Right Azusa-kun?"
Without giving him time to answer, he leaned in and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. After that Ema wished them the best and ran off but before she could much further she was stopped by the sound of booming laughter.
"hahaha, that sure got a great reaction from you and Subaru," Tsubaki said from between fits of laughter. He whipped away an imaginary tear "but Chieko didn't really do much" he noted slightly disappointed. Chieko merely shrugged at the looks she received.
Ema turned around, her head tilted in confusion. Azusa stepped forwards and explained "we were just reading over our scripts"
Though Ema still felt left in the dark, while Chieko started to piece it together. "Yeah, we were practicing for an upcoming job"
"They're voice actors," Subaru said feeling pity for the girl. Ema finally started to understand, while Chieko once again gave herself a pat on the back for figuring it out. It was becoming a game of sorts, first the Fuuto thing and now this, she was on a roll.
Once it all sunk in, Ema stepped back and began to apologize profusely for interrupting their work.
"It's fine, but next time why don't you and Chieko be my practice partners" Tsubaki teased, a flirtatious tone hidden underneath his words "I feel like I'd get even more excited with you two"
Tsubaki continued to tease the poor girl until Azusa stopped him.
Sighing Subaru apologized on behalf of his brothers "really, I'm sorry that we are being strange."
Ema denied it, a rosy hue still covering her face.
"I'm not convinced" Chieko declared. Everyone's attention was now on her. She pointed at the twins "I still think you two are gay"
Points:
Imōto: sister
Author Note: I am sincerely sorry for the late update but lately I haven't been liking how my stories have been turning out and it's been bothering me, but I think I found the cause. Recently, what I've been doing is rewatching the episode of the anime I was making the fanfiction about -which in this case is Brothers Conflict – and I would just copy the dialogue and basically narrate the anime, which I found stumped my creativity. So from now on, I am not going to stick strictly to what goes on in each episode, the events are going to happen but the speech and actions might be a little different.
As for how I ended this chapter, well I just thought it would add a humorous touch. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave a review it really motivates me. As always helpful criticism is much appreciated.
