Disclaimer: I do not own Brothers Conflict
Chapter 4:
Once the interrogation was done, Yusuke trudged into his room, walking at a slow pace and recap what went over with his brothers. He was surprised to say that they were actually worried about him, usually, he was the last person anyone thought of in the household. He was the eleventh son after all. Not to mention it riled everyone up to the point where Natsume came by...and he lives alone. So to see him was a factor that helped him resolve that something was up.
Reaching his door, Yusuke pulls out his phone and presses the power button to will the contraption to life. Seeing the dead battery icon, he sighs and continues the way to his bed and pulls the charger out from his drawer to connect the devices. Closing the open door, Yusuke has a hard time believing the events that occurred today. First he had the courage to finally ask out his crush and had a wonderful-no outstanding- time just seeing her smile (And it was because of him!). The only thing that stood out was the fact that he had to tell Ema that his brothers wanted to meet her since they were technically going out. Not to mention it had to be this week.
The beeping and flashing of Yusuke's phone brought him out of his daze. Taking a glance he see's the icon of messages and turns to his side to have a better grasp. After the various messages sent by his brothers concerned of his whereabouts and numerous missed calls, one particular message sent by Ema caught his eye. It was sent just a while ago..Looking at his clock, Yusuke makes out the bright digits. 9:15? She must be asleep now...what did she message me about anyway? Turning his attention back to the small screen he opens the unread message and his stomach flips with aching want and a familiar pull in his heart.
Ema: Yusuke, I know I have said this a lot, but I truly want to thank you for being honest and treating me out today. As you know, i'm alone a lot of the time so having a new experience with you had been so much fun, anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to join my friends and I to the amusement park on Friday after school. They had been bugging me about it since yesterday, and I really don't want to go with a stranger they plan to set me up with, I want it to be you. Nevertheless, just text or call me if you want to go, Goodnight Yusuke-kun!
Reading the long text sent warm shivers down his spine. At least until he noticed a particular detail. Wait. Stranger? Her friends wanted her to go with a stranger? As in a date? And she doesn't want to? Reflecting back on the message, Yusuke realizes that she wants to be with him...that she doesn't want to go with a stranger. But. What about dinner with his brothers? Ukyo said preferably Friday, but if she wants to go he's not going to deny her. There's no use in worrying, as long as it is before the week is over right? I'll just ask her tomorrow. Turning over on his side, Yusuke pushes the thought of his brothers away and rests his head against his pillow. Staring blankly at the ceiling, he turns over closing his eyelids. As his breaths steady, a small, soft smile graces his lips.
"Ema."
°•°•
Okay, So having a nice dream about his girlfriend and waking up to the morning sunlight sounds nice. And it would continue to be pleasant if only he didn't hear the yelling and teasing of his older and younger brothers. As his morning gets worse by the cold temperature currently nipping at his feet and nose, he jolts up only to hear laughing as freezing cold water is poured atop of him and the minty air tingles his skin, making him shiver.
"Oi." he grinds out, " You Bastards! Which one of you did it!" Hearing the scurries of feet trampling in the hallway, Yusuke decides it would be futile to find the perpetrator. They'll all most likely lie to save themselves anyway. Grabbing a warm long sleeved shirt and slacks, Yusuke reluctantly trudged his way down to the fifth story bathroom. Wet and miserable. It has to be Tsubaki, he always does stuff like that. Ending his thoughts, Yusuke takes his short shower in the soothing lukewarm water. Thirty-minutes later Yusuke is eating breakfast, cleaned and no longer cold, he decides to ask about Friday and Ema's invitation.
"Uh-Ukyo-nii," Taking his nod as a gesture to continue, Yusuke clears his throat. "My- I mean Ema has asked me to go to the amusement park with a group of friends from school on Friday. Would it be okay if I brought Ema home on Saturday instead? I know you said by the end of the week, but I think that's a little too soo-"
"Yusuke, I have a case this Saturday and will be busy next week. Masaomi nii-san will be busy as he has rounds at the hospital this weekend. I wouldn't have mind if it was Saturday, but I have important business as well. As for Friday, I don't mind but I do hope we shall meet her before then if that is the case."
Reverting back to his original plan of asking Ema, Yusuke only nods to his elder brother and leaves.
°•°•
How am I going to tell her though? I wonder if she has any conflicts with Thursday? Making a hesitant move due to his decision, the young-man makes his way to his locker only to feel a pair of small arms wrap around him. Chuckling, he turns around to see his one and only angel. Look at her, she's just..She's so cute... Planting a peck on her cheek, Ema holds his hand as she walks with him to the rest of the way towards his locker.
Oh! I still have his textbook! I should probably give it back…
"Is something wrong?" The concerned look on his face makes her smile. "Oh no, it's nothing." Pulling Yusuke to a secluded corner and out of sight to teachers and students, Ema hugs him, feeling his warmth. At this sudden action, the response is to hold her against him, caressing her brown locks at a steady pace. Remembering his earlier discussion, Yusuke pulls his head away from hers and looks at her chestnut eyes. "Ema?"
"Yes?"
"I know we've only just begun to be with each other, but my brothers really want to meet you. And I was wondering since I want to go with you on Friday to the Amusement park, how would Thursday sound."
"Oh," trying to remember any important event, Ema's face shows an apologetic look. " After tomorrow, I'll be on the committee for the upcoming school festival remember? The only real time I have is the weekends since friday we're planning on something. I can come over tomorrow if you want."
"Hmm- Well my older brother Ukyo-san has a big case to work on this weekend and next week not to mention that he's probably going to be late tomorrow preparing for it. If that's what's happening there wouldn't be anyone to cook dinner on time without you catching your train too late."
Trying to find a solution to this problem, Ema shifts in his arms to look at his eyes. "Well what if you take me home with you tomorrow, and I can cook?" Surprised at her suggestion, Yusuke thinks about it for a minute. "I think that's a great plan, but I would have to talk to Kyo-nii...I'll call him at lunch and i'll let you know by the end of the day okay?"
Ema nods her head and resumes her snuggles against his chest. "Yeah, that sounds good"
°•°•
Riiiing-Riiiing-Riii-"Hello?"
"Ukyo-nii!"
"Yes Yusuke what is it?" Irritated, Ukyo resists the urge to hang up. Wasn't he in school?!
"I talked to Ema-chan and she said she wanted to come over tomorrow-"
"Yusuke, you know i'm working late tomorrow!-" Ukyo exasperates.
"I know that! That's why I talked to Ema-chan and she said she'll be making dinner for us that way when you get back home you can meet her without having to worry about cooking!" Yusuke explains. On the other line however, the agitated Ukyo contemplates the suggestion. "Okay, fine, how-"
"Yes!" the red-hair clenches his fist in victory.
"However! It would be great if she can buy some ingredients. I was going to go grocery shopping but it seems we may not have time till Wednesday." Ukyo indulges.
"Yes, I understand-" the line ends as Ukyo heaves another sigh. That Yusuke.
°•°•
Returning to his girlfriend, who is currently immersed in a conversation, he plops down beside her, giving a quick side hug and peck to the lips. Giggling, Ema inquires him. "So? What did he say?"
"Nii-san said it was a good idea and actually wanted to ask if we could get groceries because he won't be able to."
"That's fine! I actually wanted to ask what do you guys want to have for dinner then?"
"Hmm let's see…..well...what can you make?"
"Well..for starters i'm kind of bad at cooking outdoors, but I do think my specialty is italian cooking." Ema had her hand under her chin, thinking, " Either that or i'd say traditional japanese. I've been around the world during the summer so i've picked up a few cooking techniques like british sweets. That's pretty much it, what do you and your brothers like?"
Tousling his hair in embarrassment, he tells Ema, "Actually i'm not sure, we usually leave the cooking to Ukyo..but my favorite meal is lasagna if it helps.. And for my brothers...well I know that Tsubaki, Wataru, and Subaru will be up for anything."
Shifting in his arms, Ema thinks an italian meal would be playing it safe. Maybe Zuppa de Toscana? It's getting cold now so maybe the broth of it would help those who might be sick...Oh! Then I could bake some sourdough bread! Okay i've got it!.
"Okay, I know what i'll make tomorrow." Tightening his hold on her, he speaks once more. "What are you going to make?"
"That's a secret for me to know and for you to find out" she says, mischievously. Suddenly she takes his hand in hers. Barely gracing over his with her small fingers.
"Oh I see how it is. You vixen." Taking the final step, Yusuke laces their fingers together and leans in, kissing her. From what she can tell, his kisses are full of passion but could obviously tell that he's also embarrassed. Most likely from being this involved with a woman.
"If you're going to do that get a room!" Interrupting their escapade, Mahoko marches toward the couple. "You sly fox Ema! Why didn't you tell me you were going out with Asahina-kun?"
Seeing her sadistic smile, Ema shyly turns away but answers anyway. "Because I knew you would try to make him do ridiculous tasks just to prove himself. "
Mahoko looks at both their flushed faces and can no longer hold back. "You could have told me you were dating!" Thinking to mess with Asahina a little she adds on," And here I am, making arrangement for your date Saturday!"
As time stopped for each of them, both had turned their heads toward her, shocked. "W-What?! Mahoko-chan I told you not to!"
Seeing the hurt expression on Yusuke's face brought a series of guilt bare within her stomach. "Cancel it! I already made plans to go with Yusuke-kun! "
"I-If I may, who did you make the arrangement with?" Yusuke asks.
"Oh I haven't heard back but he's someone from the other class." Mahoko drawls " Actually my dear Sasakura went to ask him. And I also know he tried asking you Asahina-kun. But you declined, how indecent for a gentleman."
" No! I didn't know it was Ema i'd be going with-!" The shocked face showed Mahoko that he really cared for Ema if such a little thing set him off. Glancing at the device in her hand, she notices the text from her boyfriend and opens it.
"Ah, well luck's on your side Asahina-kun. Sasakura's friend said he had an important event going on at the same time. So unfortunately he won't be able to escort Ema." Having the last say in their conversation, she hears Yusuke mumble something along the lines of, oh I don't know, sadistic woman, how can you tolerate her?! She smirks leaving behind a less than thrilled Yusuke and a blushing Ema.
°•°•
Laying on her couch with his feet tucked in alongside his knees with his head softly being pet was the best comfort a man could receive. Especially if it was being received by his girlfriend. Such calming strokes through his hair sent warmth through his body. After school, they both thought that hanging at her house was ideal. And after the situation concerning the worriedness of his brothers, Yusuke texted them in advance and walked to her little apartment.
"Hey Yusuke."
"Yeah?"
"How many siblings do you have? I've never had any so I was wondering what it feels like?" Tousling his hair softly, she looks at his questioned look.
"Well, for starters, I have twelve-"
"Y-you have twelve?!" her eyes bugged out and stopped combing his hair. Obviously shocked.
"Y-yes," calming after she begins to wrap her fingers around his soft locks, he continues," Well, it feels annoying sometimes because you can't get any time to yourself but you also know that they acknowledge you and care for you enough to tolerate you. At least that's how I feel."
Processing his feelings towards his brothers, she only hopes that they like her and that she'll be the least of their worries. Having another question she speaks once more, " What are you brothers like? What are their names?"
"O-okay, well, um, My eldest brother would be Masaomi, he's a pediatrician and takes care of us when we're sick or unwell. The second eldest is Ukyo, he's a big-shot lawyer and takes care a lot of the cooking and cleaning. While the third is Hikaru, he's currently traveling but he's a novelist. After him would be Kaname, he's technically a monk but prefers the 'Temple' that's more of a host club than a temple."
"Other than that it's the twins Tsubaki and Azusa who are practically the opposite of each other. Tsubaki's more vivacious while Azusa is calm and collected." he ponders at the thought, never really thinking of it in that sort of way, "Natsume is their triplet but he lives alone and is more like Azusa. Next is Louis, he kind of has his head in the air but he's really understanding and he's a beautician." He notices Ema's marveling at the descriptions he gives her.
"Subaru is my other older brother and he's currently pushing to be a professional basketball player. Iori is the tenth son and he's just really perfect overall with grades, sports, and other things. Next is me and my two younger brothers are Fuuto," he cringes at the name, "And then Wataru. I'd rather not talk about Fuuto but he's just really full of himself and Wataru is just my kid brother, still in elementary. "
"Your brothers sound...different. I mean they have all those careers! I bet you're a little intimdated." Switching the position, Ema scoots into his lap. Head tucked under his chin. " However, I bet they really care for you and I just hope that you feel the same."
Shocked at her response he pauses for a second, but smiles anyway. "Don't worry, I do."
A/N: Allo everyone. Here's my update for this story and I really enjoy your reviews! And don't worry, I plan to update this story as frequently as I can and it should be every 10 days, at least. Anyway, I genuinely hope you enjoyed and want to see more, don't forget to review! It helps me with writing and seeing what you guys want to read.