Yukina P.O.V

I sat by the pool, my feet in the cool water as I typed furiously on my laptop.

"Yuki" a familiar voice called out from behind me, I looked back and met the softened eyes of my dearest big brother. "Are you updating your blog again?" He questioned with a gentle tone, his slender legs taking big strides towards me.

"Of course, I have to make sure to set it up just in case I am rendered unable to update for a while" I grinned brightly to hide the sorrow that filled my hollow body, the darkness that encased my whole being, and the unbearable weight that crushed my chest.

"Are you ready to go?" He inquired before taking his shoes off and dipping his legs into the water like I was doing.

"Yeah, I even wore the white dress you bought me a while back" I grinned showing him the sun dress he bought me when we went on vacation to California.

"I knew you would look good in it" he smirked, his bright red gems staring into mine.

"You think I look good in everything nii-san" I pouted before taking my feet out of the water and drying it with a nearby towel.

"It's because it's true you have a slender body, flawless milky white skin, and you are absolute"

"Nii-san your patronizing me again" I flushed, a small pout on my lips as I looked away with embarrassment.

The older male followed my lead and got out of the water before walking towards me, his naturally poised posture making me giggle. "Nii-san has anyone ever told you that you are a born leader?"

"You" he smirked before placing his tender lips on my forehead "now let's go, I cleared out one of our best restaurant branches in the area"

"Eh? Seriously nii-san I always tell you not to do that" I sulked while signaling for richer to grab me a pair of sandals.

I sat on the sun tanning beach chair and waited for richer to come back while my brother towered over my figure. "How are your college classes going?" He questioned, a bit of worry lacing his stern voice.

I shrugged before leaning back on the seat, my hair cascading down my back as it reflected the suns dazzling rays. "I'm doing fine nii-san, it's like a piece of cake" I giggled, the sound of footsteps approaching telling me that richer was back.

"Yuki-sama shall I help you with-"

"I'll do it richer, you are dismissed" nii-san cut him off, his tone sharp as a razor.

I inwardly chuckled at his protectiveness as he kneeled down in front of of me, his slender fingers bringing my foot up as he slowly slipped it into my white sandal.

"Is the all mighty emperor kneeling before me?" I teased lightly, an appreciative smile gracing my face. A warm tingly feeling filled my chest as the red head looked into my eyes with a sense of pride.

"An emperor is only subdued by his empress" he smirked, a knowing look on his face.

A feeling of nostalgia hit me as he said those words, the words he often told me before 'that' happened. A fond memory of when our family was still complete, when I still thought that our family was faultless.

"Does that mean I get to boss you around?" I mused, a mischievous glint in my crimson like gems.

Nii-san moved my feet closer to him before leaning in and placing a kiss on my toes "anything for you Yuki" he whispered softly, his tone shuddery as if he was scared that I would break if he spoke any louder.

I smiled at my brothers antics before using my hand to tilt his head up, his eyes met mine and I slipped my foot into my other sandal before kissing my brothers cheek. "Stop being over dramatic, c'mon I'm hungry"

"Of course" he nodded before getting up from his kneeling position and standing upright with his hand waiting for mine.

I accepted his hand and he escorted me to the awaiting car.

"So how was work" I asked, my head leaned on his shoulder as he played with my pinkish red hair.

"It was fine" he stated, his body vibrating as he spoke with slight annoyance in his tone.

"I heard your about to close another big deal" I giggled at his irate voice, I could already imagine the expression he was making.

He sighed "I don't like what father's planning"

My ears perked up and I looked at nii-san with a blank look, not wanting to give my thoughts away without a decent fight. "What's he planning?"

"He wants you to get engaged so we can have a solid partnership" he hesitated, I could feel him stiffen as I let a disgruntled sound escape my parted lips.

I can't believe father would do something like that! What am I to him? Some kind of trading chip?

"What kind of person does he want me to marry?" I questioned with gritted teeth, my eyes closing shut as I once again leaned my head on his muscular arm.

"He seemed arrogant, cocky, and prideful. I bet that he's the type who thinks he's above everyone, like he's on top of the world" nii-san stated his observations causing me to chuckle.

"Sound just like you" I whispered softly causing my brother to flick my forehead playfully.

"I am not ar- co- well I am arrogant, cocky, and prideful but I do not think I'm ab-... Okay but you still love me" nii-san finally admitted causing me to chuckle.

"Of course. I love you nii-san, you are the only one whose ever there for me when it really counted" I spoke honestly, my mind remembering all the times I would wake up after a nightmare only to have him rub my back soothingly until I fell back to sleep.

"That's because your important to me Yukina" nii-san hugged me closer, his arm tightening around my waist as his hair tickled my fair skin.

"I know nii-san, thank you" I smiled softly before kissing his cheeks to show my gratitude. A ghost of a smile tugged on his lips as our foreheads pressed together, his eyes closed as our breaths united.

"Are you going to do as father says?" He asked the question that's probably been on his mind this whole time.

"... I don't know" my voice cracked, my tone uncertain as thoughts of marrying a stranger filled my mind. The feeling of dread filled me, I no longer knew which path to take.

Nii-san's eyes snapped open and I could see myself clearly in his eyes; the tiredness, doubtfulness, and the fear clear as day in his eyes. "Do you want to?"

"No" I answered almost breathlessly.

"Then you don't have to" he softened his gaze on me, a reassuring smile gracing his features as he tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and all of a sudden the fear was gone. The uncertainty was gone because to me, my brothers words were
style="font-style: italic; font-size: 16pt;"absolute.