Brother's Conflict Chapter 4 Day of the festival.

Big festival day! Thanks for the reviews love them and love the support thank you guys! I do not own brothers conflict! Enjoy

Ema's POV

Me and Natsume stayed embracing each other for as long as I could remember but I would have to say all night since he left in the morning and I had to go to school. I've been thinking about the way he looked at me yesterday it was as if he thought I had passed or was severely injured; I need to focus on breakfast first Wataru will probably get up in 20 minutes knowing his little time schedule.

"Where are the chocolate chips?" Looking for each cupboard the crunching of a bag twitched my ear.

"Here you go, don't see why these wolves deserve chocolate chip waffles…"

"Juli the waffles are for Wataru the others get crepes."

"Even better! They don't deserve you professional cooking with the way the treat you." Juli with his little arms crossed gave a pout and turned his head to the waffles iron. I knew it was bad to tell him but I made the waffles for him since I left him for a week, he would always gorge himself whenever I made waffles at home. "Waffles and crepes you really do put your best effort in everything." Iori sat on a stool by the kitchen intently watching me as I flip the crepes.

"Are you hungry Iori they'll be done in a minute I hope you can wait that long."

"I can wait…" He's still watching intently like his hungry might get the best of him or he might just be intrigued with cooking?

"Can I help…" Iori's voice didn't sound like a question more like he was begging to help me cook. "Sure you can flip them while I make the whip cream." I was excited I've never seen Iori wanting to do something before other than his studies.

"So like this?" Iori took the pan and did one of those pancake flips that you see on chef shows which landed perfectly. "Iori I never knew you could do that!" More and more excited I wanted to know what else he could do but putting that aside I focused on my task at hand.

"We do have these courses at my school I just don't normally take them." I'd always try to look out of the corner of my eye I would catch him taking glances at me; I shouldn't think anything of it he probably just wants to see how I'm doing with the whip cream. "Ema I'm finished." Looking over I see crepes lined up on the tray. How does he do that so fast…it would take me at least ten minutes to finishes all those.

"What can I do now?" He seemed interested in doing more like a child who just had a happy experience but didn't want to show it. I guess I can let him make the whip cream and I'll cut the fruit.

"You can finish this and I'll cut the fruit." Taking the beaters away from me I went to the cutting board. He looks so interested in this I wonder if he likes to cook but doesn't really show it.

"Iori how's the whip cream g-…going…" I finished my sentence covered in newly whipped whip cream. Maybe he hasn't used beaters before it is easy to tell from the way his face looks.

"Sorry…this part is new to me." Smiling I searched for a towel to wipe my face but my hands were soon grabbed from me and my face met Iori's his expression neutral.

"I-Iori?" Bring his face closer he licked the whipped cream off my nose making my eyes widen in shock.

"There are no towels here and it was only on your nose." He went back to cleaning his mess leaving me there with my arms dangling down at my sides. I looked over to Juli who was shaking with rage his little paws in fist about to make a charge for Iori but soon Azusa and Tsubaki walked in. "Whoa what happened here?"

"I made the mess don't blame Ema." Iori went to cleaning the mess while Tsubaki and Azusa sat at the table awaiting their breakfast still looking at me as I was still in shock. "A-Ah sorry here…" I put down two plates of crepes in front of them drizzled with strawberries and other exotic fruits.

"This is amazing you really don't know when to stop spoiling us!" Tsubaki chowed down while Azusa took his time. "Tsubaki why not savor the taste instead of gouging it all at once?"

"But I can have Ema make more I hope she will anyway!" Tsubaki without further notice finished the crepes and started the dishes same with Azusa. Seems like he couldn't eat slowly forever; letting out a small laugh they turned to me.

"What?"

"It's nothing and I'll do the dishes you guys better get going for your new anime."

"No we'll do it you need to clean yourself up." They looked at me and they were the ones to begin laughing now. I am covered in whip cream I shouldn't go to school like this…I took off and left them to the dishes. I guess we still act like a family even after the incident at the island but Iori he's never done anything like that before…it could be something else I may be thinking too much into this I mean he didn't say anything about joining the conflict right?

"Iori that was a bold move you made on Ema there."

"What do you mean?" Tsubaki gave Iori a cold stare.

"You never said you would actually be part of the war so why lie about not being able to cook, you took lessons for 4 years." Azusa joined in but not backing up Tsubaki more like making his own argument.

"I never said anything when the conflict was announced and it was a mix up with the beaters." His face showed guilt but stayed neutral.

"I hope that's the way it will stay she doesn't need any more stress." Azusa stayed silent after that.

I wonder how Matsi did with the costumes I'm excited to see everyone in their wonderland outfit, Yume's going to be the red queen and I don't think anyone has objections to that since the red queen is well…mean. Ah I wonder if I can catch the bus in time! Hurrying to my destination I was suddenly stopped by the honking of a car. Isn't that Hikaru's car why is he here?

"Ema the bus already left and I didn't see you on it so I thought you'd need a ride."Hikaru opened the passenger seat and I hopped in. Thank god I'd though I'd run late for school and miss the opening of the festival.

"Thanks again for giving me a ride I thought I'd have to be late…"

"Well today's the festival right and you need to be there besides I took the day off to come see it well I need some more material on high-school romance for my novel so I thought a festival would be a good start." He smiled but kept his eyes on the road. He has a new novel, didn't he just write one which turned out to be a best seller?

"Are you upset at the fact we announced a conflict for your heart?" He quickly glanced at me and I looked at him puzzled. No one's asked me that question yet so I'm not sure how to answer…I'm not upset just a bit sad at the fact they are all competing which doesn't seem like it since they're still acting the same way they did before… I was looking down at my feet and I could tell Hikaru had a worried expression on his face.

"Sorry for asking that rather than upset you're probably stressed out from that besides you've already chosen Natsume correct?"

"Y-Yes I just want to know when this whole thing is going to be over."

"Probably when you get into a college or when you move out, because then they can't really follow you everywhere so you would probably be given up on and just treated like a sister." Hikaru's words brought me to a smile maybe it's not so bad I mean school ends in 6 more months I can endure it till then right?

"But that doesn't mean you won't be loved as a women in their hearts, once you love someone you can't really let go of them fully." I-I guess his right I mean I couldn't let go of Natsume, when I rejected him I had a pain in my heart that I didn't know what was from.

"Well I'll let you off here I hope I'll get to see you when I'm around the festival I mean since you're the Cheshire cat you're everywhere." Hikaru smiled and I felt a warm touch on my cheek. Leaving with a kiss on the cheek I realized he is wearing normal men's clothing; I guess I've seen him in women's clothes so often I didn't bother to look.

"That's just to see how a teenage girl will act it's for the novel." A wink and he went to find parking. So many weird things have been happening at least the festival will be fun!

"Awe Ema you look so cute!" Mistu and the others stood there in their costumes but stood in awe at mine. "I-Is this even legal?" Looking down at my outfit I saw a frilly purple/light purple skirt that was too high for comfort, a purple stripped corset top with straps that hung of my shoulders, stockings that reached my thigh, purple buckle up boots that went just below the knee stripped gloves a tail and cat ears and the color well it's pretty much purple…

"Isn't there anything else I could wear?"

"Mistu made this just for you and it looks perfect on you but let's put your hair down!" Pulling out my elastic my hair fell cascading over my shoulders. I feel really mischievous in this and I think that's a bad thing.

"Okay now give us a *Meow!*" Mistu formed a cat paw and made a cat sound wanting me to mimic her moves.

"I-I'd rather not…"

"Awe come on!"

"F-fine…" Holding my hands up like a cat I made a cat sound which made them squeal with excitement.

"Meow?"

"That's so cute and sexy! We're sure to get people visiting the wonderland café with her roaming around oh we should have a contest!"

"A contest?" The girls gave me a cunning look; I really don't like were this is going…

"Whoever can catch the Cheshire cat gets to have a VIP date with his or her choice of a wonderland character!" I had a scared look on my face while everyone happily agreed to the idea. I don't want to be chased by some crazy people let alone caught by any of them!

"Don't I get a say in this?"

"Awe come on Ema you're a fast runner fastest out of our class on the track field!"

"I guess but when will the contest start?"

"Well since you're the Cheshire cat you're allowed to go anywhere you practically want so just hide in tree's, have people solve riddles to get you down stuff like that!" I nodded getting somewhat excited. That does sound like a fun idea it shouldn't hurt to try!

The festival started and different kids from other middle schools and elementary came to see the festival since it was named the best in the school district and kids didn't want to miss it. "Ema, where is she?" Familiar voices could be heard as I hung out on one of the schools tree's near the mad hatter's tea party. Oh Hikaru, Wataru, Masaomi and Subaru are here! I thought Subaru had a basketball practice today?

"Where's Onii-chan…" Wataru had a sad expression on his face as he couldn't find me. I can't help it it's sad seeing Wataru make such a face. "Wataru up here!" Waving with a smile on my face Wataru's eyes lit up with pure happiness.

"Wow Ema how'd you get up there?" Masaomi smiled but was a little confused on how I got up on the highest tree branch.

"In gym the girls took gymnastics so I guess I picked up on it." Swinging down from the branch they all looked at me with embarrassed faces. "What is it?"

"N-Nice costume…" Subaru had his hand over his mouth. I guess this costume is a bit well short but the stockings help for me and it's not that bad is it?

"I like it she looks like a real mischievous cat, the hair down really did it." Hikaru crossed arms with a slight smile. I seem to be getting tones of smiles lately.

"Hey there she is get her!" A group of guys pointed at me then charged.

"I-I got to go i hope I'll see you guys around!" Scared I ran for it heading to the maze of red roses. That's a good place to hide right?

"Does Ema have a fan club here too?" Wataru tugged on Masaomi's shirt lightly wanting his question to be filled.

"I'm not sure this hasn't happened here before." Hikaru was deep in thought he didn't even know what was up.

"If you catch the Cheshire cat you get to choose a wonderland character for a VIP date to the movies." Kaname had a more mischievous smile on his face then the actually Cheshire cat but with to followers Ukyo and Iori just sighed.

"What do you mean if you catch the cat?" Subaru was now intrigued in this idea yet a little embarrassed for showing an interest.

"They made it a contest if you can catch Ema or the Cheshire cat you get to go on a date with one of the wonderland characters."

"Has this been told to Natsume because he's already here we were just speaking with him." Ukyo wondered.

"Probably not you'd have to look on the festival games to know." Kaname shrugged.

"I wouldn't mind participating in this." Kaname went to the direction the so called Cheshire cat had left at.

"This won't be fun."

"Poor Onii-chan…"

"Huff Huff…I-I can't do this anymore t-they're really egger to catch me…" Leaning for support on the wall I saw Tsubaki, Azusa and Natsume walking around the candy stands. Maybe I can take a break with them…

"Natsume!" Waving I ran with little strength I had left and reached them with smiles on their faces.

"Ema you look cute, wish I had a stuffy of you looking like that." Tsubaki patted my head making my cat ears bounce. "T-Thanks I didn't know you guys would be here."

"Why wouldn't we come we want to see your wonderland café, from rumors it's supposed to be amazing." Azusa Noticed I was out of breath then gave me a slight look of worry.

"Oh don't worry I'm fine…"

"Ema can I speak with you..!"

"Ah not again I'm so sorry, bye!" Racing off the group of kids found my location and we both dashed past Natsume and the others leaving them speechless.

"Well that was…interesting?"

"Tsubaki did you have something to do with this?"

"Why do you always think stuff like this involves me?!" Azusa left Tsubaki with his tantrum and went to the activities board.

"Oh no…"

This needs to stop maybe I should just give in? "I'll catch her before you and I'll get to date the Cheshire cat!" Scratch that I don't want to end up having to go on a date with them! Don't they know you can choose anyone of the wonderland characters not just me?! "Hey come on stop!"

"Man she's fast where'd she go?"

"H-Hmm!"

"Shh I'm saving you here." Being pulled into a classroom a hand was over my mouth preventing me from speaking. Is this a save or a capture?

"Good they're gone."

"Okay you caught me what's your request?" Turning around my eyes widened did I get pulled into the host club café?!

"We can't participate in the games since we have our own café."

"F-Futo thank you." I gave a light bow the tried heading out but my arm was caught before I could step even a foot out. "If you go out there without hydration you'll die." Futo brought me to a little table and handing me a cup of hot tea.

"Ah this is amazing!"

"Yeah the girls of the class are our cooks and we're the waiters." Futo just sat there with a neutral expression nothing really seeming to bring light to his face.

"I thought this would be fun but the girls always come to flirt with us it's annoying."

"Ah I see how you feel…" Futo looked up then let a little smile play his lips.

"Well I hope your café will go well." Almost getting up my face was brought closer to his. No not again please!

"That's for good luck on your chase." The feel of Futo's lips left my forehead leaving the warm sensation tingle. "T-thank you…" Getting up without any interference I secretly snuck past the kids. Maybe Futo is starting to get it?

Natsume's POV

"Why did Ema agree to this?" My mind wondered with questions on how the school would even allow something like this.

"She is the best on the track field but I don't know why they would so you got me beat." Tsubaki stretched his arms. I guess it can't be helped it's her last festival so i bet she'd want to do anything helpful for this to be her best one.

"Hey Natsume aren't you a little worried that she might be well mauled by these guys she could get hurt." Azusa crossed his arms giving me a look knowing he was right. I am worried but this her festival I shouldn't interfere, she seemed to be smiling when she ran off like she had a part to play in this; I still need to ask her but she left before I could say anything.

"Hey that's cheating!" There were voices that sounded familiar like the ones who were chasing Ema maybe she found a way out of this game?

"It's not cheating you just have to make me pleased to get out of the tree."

"She's right in the movies the Cheshire cat would always hang up in trees." We arrived but seem like Kaname and the others beat us to her. She was swinging her legs from a branch teasing the people below her that were out of reach. She can't get out of this one without help she's surrounded.

"Well how can we get her down?"

"Give her a cat toy?" Some kids were discussing what to do well Kaname and the others walked towards us sighing. "I was hoping to join in on the fun but Ukyo stopped me…" He had a sad expression but I was thankful that he was talked out of it, it'd be pretty obvious who he would want to choose.

"Well she seems to be in trouble but there's nothing we can do."

"A-Ah!" Looking up Ema was holding onto the tree with all her strength as the others shock the flimsy tree trying the shaking her out approach. "You guys can't do that now!" Interfering they just shrugged.

"Nothing in the rules says we can't do this." They're right but she's scared. Damn it I can't get to her with all of them in the way. The tree shock more and more making her slip soon her meeting with the ground was coming near.

End this one was the longest I've written. Anyway hoped you liked it and the outfit for Ema if you've ever seen those corset dresses but shorter that's somewhat what she's wearing but shorter or you can think of her outfit yourself! I had the worst brain bust I finally realized how to spell *Cheshire* never knew how to before now I do. Hoped you enjoyed next chapter coming soon!