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"Random Subject Prompts"
Chapter 029: Azusa Asahina
Anime: Brothers Conflict
Prompt: Hot chocolate
Chapter Warning(s):
Author's Note:
KH*AA*KH*AA
Age: 15
Azusa was leaving school with his brothers Tsubaki and Natsume when he noticed the charming café that had opened not too long ago. He recalled his classmates – especially the female ones – mentioning it, and he was curious.
Gaze intent on the one-story building, he didn't notice he'd stopped walking until Tsubaki's voice broke his concentration.
"What's up, Azusa?"
Natsume had also stopped, glancing over his shoulder to see what the holdup was.
Azusa's smile was calm as he looked at his brothers. "I think I'll get something to drink. I've heard good things about this place. Would you two like something?"
"I'm good," Natsume answered first. Knowing this would take a few extra minutes, he leaned against a nearby bike rack, arms crossed over his chest.
Tsubaki waved off his twin's offer, grinning his usual playful grin. "Maybe next time."
The darkest haired triplet nodded. "I'll be right back," he said.
When he entered the café, there was an instant feeling of warmth, of welcome. The air smelled faintly of coffee, hazelnut, and chocolate. Azusa couldn't help but breathe in deeply; the scents were simply delicious. He could see why so many would enjoy coming here.
"Welcome," a pleasant, feminine voice greeted – one Azusa knew, to his surprise.
Violet eyes widened as they connected with sparkling sapphire. "Kagome-chan?" he questioned. "I didn't realize you worked here." He hadn't realized she worked, period.
Kagome Higurashi was Natsume's classmate while Azusa and Tsubaki were assigned the class next door. She was smart and pretty, with a kind and compassionate personality that made her popular with male and female students. Azusa had only met her a few times, but he did know that she lived on a shrine with her mother, grandfather, and younger brother, and that she enjoyed archery and oden. He would have liked to learn more about Kagome, but he had the sneaking suspicion that her affections were aimed at Natsume. Azusa wasn't the type to interfere, and hoped his brother would soon realize what a great girl Kagome was. In the meantime, he would cherish the friendship that had developed.
Kagome grinned. "I just started a couple weeks ago." She winked. "So order your worst. I promise I'll make it perfect."
Azusa chuckled, finding her antics adorable. "Alright then. What would you recommend?" he asked.
"Definitely the hot chocolate," she answered, beaming. "The owner let me tinker with the recipe. I could tell you what I did, but it's a secret."
"One hot chocolate it is."
"Coming right up," she chimed out, smiling sweetly. "Can I get you anything else, Azusa-kun?"
Damn, even the way she said his name was cute. He swore he could feel his cheeks flushing the longer he interacted with her.
"N-No. Thank you, Kagome-chan," he replied, hoping his glasses blocked his blush from her view. He wished his fringe was long enough, and he gave serious thought to growing it out especially after today.
"It'll just be a couple minutes then."
Azusa nodded to show he heard and understood. While she turned to prepare the hot beverage, he couldn't help but notice the way she glanced shyly out the front window. He didn't have to look to know she had a perfect view of Natsume, and something in the vicinity of his chest clenched painfully. But he shook it off. It wasn't as if he hadn't suspected Kagome had romantic feelings for Natsume. This was just further proof.
Kagome's cheery voice cut into his thoughts. "Your hot chocolate is ready, Azusa-kun."
"Ah, thank you, Kagome-chan." His polite smile in place, he picked up the to-go cup of liquid chocolate and milk. Because the raven haired beauty was giving him such an expectant look, he humored her by taking a sip.
Delicious flavor burst on his tongue; warm chocolate, creamy milk, and something more he couldn't identify. Was that nutmeg he tasted? Cinnamon? It was hard to grasp but it was – literally and figuratively – on the tip of his tongue.
"Mm~" he couldn't help but hum in pleasure. He took another sip.
"Well," Kagome asked, seemingly impatient for his criticism, "how is it?"
Azusa smiled, one word coming to mind. "Perfect."
KH*AA*KH*AA
Age: 17
Tsubaki shoved his textbook away, groaning. "I've had it," he announced. "I'm done studying. My brain can't take any more abuse."
The triplets were currently sitting around a low table in their spacious living room, all three surrounded by books and scattered papers, pencils, erasers, and other school-related paraphernalia. They were having an intense study session before their finals, but it appeared as though Tsubaki was the first to throw in the towel.
Natsume rolled his eyes, but didn't comment. When his cell phone silently vibrated, he grabbed it, quickly scanned the text, responded, and placed it back down before continuing his work.
Azusa, with an unsympathetic expression, scratched an answer onto his paper, gaze focused on the book in front of him. "Tsubaki, we started only fifteen-minutes ago," he scolded.
"It was fourteen-minutes too long," was the silver haired triplet's whine.
Without looking, Azusa's fist came down harshly on Tsubaki's head. As the other male cried out and moaned at the physical abuse, the darkest haired triplet snorted elegantly.
"Stop being lazy and get back to work. Your math scores have been atrocious."
"They weren't that bad," Tsubaki grumbled, pouting over being reprimanded.
Before more could be said, the doorbell rang. Azusa and Tsubaki looked up, confused, while Natsume breathed a sigh of relief as he stood from his spot.
"I'll get it," the orange-haired triplet needlessly volunteered.
Azusa blinked. "Who is it?" he inquired.
"Reinforcements," was all Natsume would say.
Azusa and Tsubaki traded curious glances, both mentally questioning who the visitor could be. They both received their answer when Kagome strolled in, tote bag slung over one shoulder, followed closely by Natsume.
The raven haired beauty smiled at the surprised males, lightly laughing. From behind, Natsume smirked in amusement. It wasn't often he was able to surprise his brothers, so he always took pleasure in being able to one-up them.
"Kagome-chan…?" Azusa questioned, stunned.
Kagome grinned, holding up the tote bag like a trophy. "Who wants some hot chocolate? We have a long night of studying ahead of us. We're going to need the sugar boost."
In response, Tsubaki summed up everything the triplets were thinking:
"You are a Goddess, Kagome-chan!"
KH*AA*KH*AA
Age: 21
Ever since graduating high school and going their separate ways for college, Azusa and Kagome had stayed in contact through email and video chat when time allowed. Over the years, their friendship had evolved and become something he deeply cherished. He could easily admit that Kagome was his best friend – after Tsubaki, of course. He told her about his studies, his frustrations with Tsubaki, his growing career as a voice actor, and everything in between. In return, Kagome regaled him with stories of studying in America, the different culture, the new friends she made, and the progress she was making towards her own degree.
Today, however, Azusa patiently sat in a café as he waited for Kagome's arrival. She was back in Japan for summer break, and they had made plans to meet up and catch up. This would be the first time he'd seen her face-to-face in over a year. To say he was nervous would be an understatement.
For the tenth time since arriving, he brushed his hands over his attire. He went with his usual outfit of casual slacks, a blue and white plaid shirt, a black blazer, and white leather business shoes. For accessories, he never did enjoy anything flashy, so wore a stark-white studded belt, and a metal chain hanging from his right leg. Perched on his nose, his glasses were perfectly polished, and his dark fringe had grown out to cover his left eye. Overall, he knew he was presentable but that didn't stop his nerves from getting to him.
The bell ringing over the café's door caught his attention, and Azusa looked up from his inspection. His violet eyes warmed the moment he caught sight of Kagome. She was still as beautiful as he remembered.
"Azusa-kun," she called out, smiling brightly. She quickly made her way to the table and took a seat, shrugging off her light coat and purse to hang both on the back of her chair.
"Kagome-chan," he greeted back, smiling warmly.
"I'm sorry I'm late. I hope you weren't waiting long."
He shook his head. "You aren't late. I just got here a few minutes ago," he reassured. Truthfully, he'd arrived almost half an hour early but that was mostly to make sure he got his breathing under control before she arrived. Whatever romantic feelings he had developed for Kagome back in high school had not waned; they had, in fact, grown steadily over time.
"Did you order anything yet?" she asked, blinking curiously.
Azusa passed one of the café's menus to the raven haired beauty. "No," he answered. "I wanted to wait for you."
Kagome softly chuckled. "You're such a gentleman, Azusa-kun." Opening the menu, her sapphire eyes glanced through the selections. "Have you eaten here before?"
"Yes, a few times. Their chicken salad croissant is a personal favorite of mine."
She snapped the menu closed, grinning. "I know what I'm having, then. What about you?"
Azusa smiled with a touch of exasperation. "Tsubaki has been pestering me to try the Red Velvet waffles," he replied.
One perfectly sculpted brow rose. "Does he like it?"
He sighed, using a pointer finger to push his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. "It's more like he wants to know if he'll like it."
Kagome lightly laughed. Azusa had to fight his lips from twitching upward at the sound. It was like listening to tinkling bells; soothing and enjoyable. He could spend every day just listening to her and her laugh.
"And, as his twin, you'd know his taste best. Right?" she giggled.
Azusa rolled his eyes. "Something like that. I think he's just lazy," he said. "But that's nothing unusual."
It wasn't long afterwards that a waitress came by to take their orders. She was young, maybe right out of high school, and pretty with a preppy personality. She also didn't mind making her attraction for Azusa known despite him being with Kagome. Thankfully, Kagome found it amusing while Azusa felt utterly embarrassed and uncomfortable. It was different from dealing with fans and, besides, normally Tsubaki was the favorite twin with his outgoing and easy personality.
"And what about drinks?" the waitress asked, gaze focused solely on Azusa. Her smile was wide, bright, and borderline predatory.
With a distinct laugh in her voice, Kagome answered, "Orange juice, please."
"I'll have hot chocolate. No whipped cream," Azusa ordered, trying his best to put some distance in his tone. His eyes had only been for Kagome since their first meeting, and he didn't think that would suddenly change. It had been six years and her hold on his heart had yet to loosen. Whether she knew it or not.
"Excellent," the waitress chirped. "Your drinks should be out soon. I'll be right back with them." With that, she flounced away, hoping the handsome, dark haired young man would watch the way she seductively swung her hips. She would be disappointed, however, because Azusa kept his attention on Kagome.
Said raven haired beauty wiggled her brows playfully. "She seemed nice," she heavily hinted, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Azusa rolled his eyes, scoffing. "No, thank you. I'm not interested," he replied. I have eyes for only one person – and she's sitting right across from me.
True to her word, the waitress came back with their drinks. She set them down with a flourish, obviously trying to catch Azusa's attention, then asked if either needed anything else while they waited for their food. When they answered in the negative, she gave another overly bright smile before leaving.
Kagome took a sip of her orange juice, letting the sweetly tangy flavor linger on her tongue as she watched Azusa also lift his mug to his lips. When he took a cautious slurp of the hot liquid, she couldn't help but ask, "So, how is it?"
Amusement shined in his violet orbs. He placed the cup back onto its saucer before answering.
"Not as good as yours, Kagome-chan. Not nearly as good."
The raven haired beauty beamed. Pride and a certain amount of smugness warmed her chest at the compliment. "Good," was all she said in response. She took another drink from her chilled cup, contentment settling over her.
KH*AA*KH*AA
Age: 24
Azusa woke slowly, struggling against the fog that clouded his mind and senses. He couldn't remember the last thing he did, let alone actually laying down to sleep. What happened? He felt weak, sluggish, and a little feverish. His gaze was blurry, so he concluded his glasses had been removed, but he could make out the white ceiling and bright, florescent lights. Where was he?
"You're awake," Kagome's sweet, soft voice floated into his ears. Azusa turned his head in the direction her voice came from. The raven haired beauty was standing at his bedside, hands tucked into the pockets of her doctor's coat. A stethoscope was around her neck, and her waist-length hair had been tied back into a high ponytail. "That's good. I've been worried about you, Azusa-kun."
"Kagome-chan…?" he mumbled. "What happened?" He was so confused. Why was he admitted into the hospital? And what was Kagome doing here? She normally worked in the pediatric ward, with Masaomi.
"You were brought in after you collapsed," Kagome answered, brows furrowed in worry. "You've been overworking yourself and it finally caught up with you." Picking up the patient chart, she read the report. "You've been diagnosed with meningitis. Right now, they were able to stabilize you, but you're going to be bedridden for a while."
"Bedridden? But I have so much work—"
Her smile was sharp, cutting off his protest, and daring him to further argue with her. "Seeing as how I'm your attending doctor, I wouldn't suggest neglecting my orders, Azusa-kun," she warned.
Azusa blinked, rather stunned that the normally kind and cheerful Kagome could have a spine made of unbendable steel. It was a side of her he hadn't seen before.
He liked it.
"How are you even here?" he asked next, knowing he couldn't win. "You don't work on this floor."
Kagome's smile gentled, became one he was more familiar with. "Masaomi-sensei called in a favor," she answered. "He asked me to monitor your treatment. I suppose he figured you would be more willing to listen to me."
Azusa chuckled. He was inwardly happy about what his eldest brother had unknowingly gifted him with. Ever since Kagome had moved back to Japan after medical school, it had been hard to pin her down for one of their usual outings since she was busy with establishing her place at the hospital. It was sheer luck she had landed a position working with Masaomi, thus reestablishing her connection with the Asahina family.
"He may be right," he replied.
She laughed lightly. "In that case, I'll leave you to get some more sleep. I'm sure your siblings will be by soon, too, so take this opportunity to rest. Doctor's orders."
Azusa nodded reluctantly. "Alright," he conceded. Before Kagome could leave the room completely, however, he added, "Thank you, Kagome-chan."
The raven haired beauty glanced at him from over her shoulder. "I would say 'anytime,' but let's not meet like this again. I like you better when you're healthy and taking care of yourself." With a wink, she quietly closed the door behind her.
It left Azusa alone to contentedly close his eyes, a small smile curving his lips as he thought about the beautiful doctor who had just exited.
KH*AA*KH*AA
Hospital Rooftop
Azusa had been in search of Kagome, and had been directed to the rooftop when one of the nurses had been kind enough to mention seeing the lovely doctor headed in that direction. He would have left it alone at that, but the nurse had added seeing Kagome going up with a handsome, orange-haired young man. There was only one individual that Azusa could think of that matched that description, and it had his heart clenching in dread.
Natsume. What was he doing with Kagome? As far as Azusa knew, the two had stayed in contact after high school but he wouldn't call them 'close.' Had he misinterpreted their relationship? Was there a relationship?
Azusa's brows furrowed. Natsume would have mentioned if he was dating someone, wouldn't he? Kagome definitely would have. That woman couldn't lie nor keep a secret to save her life. Besides, he had thought her romantic feelings for Natsume would have lessened since high school. Had he been wrong?
Heart pounding a mile a minute, sweat beading on his forehead, Azusa approached the door to the rooftop and quietly pushed it open. He had to investigate. He had to know. After his fight with Tsubaki, he had finally realized he had to start living for himself instead of sacrificing the things he loved for others.
Kagome happened to be the one thing – the one person – he loved the most.
The sound of muffled voices caught Azusa's attention, and he silently followed it to a hidden area that he could hide behind but still hear them.
"… is he doing?" Natsume's voice asked.
Kagome's voice could be heard next as she answered, "He's doing a lot better. He overworked himself, so being able to rest properly has done wonders."
"That's good. All of us were worried about him." The sound of Natsume's lighter could be heard then the telltale exhale as he took a drag from his cigarette.
"Now we just have to work on you, Natsume-kun. I see you're still smoking. Ever thought about quitting?" There was playful edge to her tone. Azusa frowned, wondering how close they really were.
Natsume chuckled, something he rarely did anymore. "I only smoke when I'm stressed," he defended himself. "Having one of my brothers collapse should be a good excuse."
"That was a few days ago, and hello, have you seen his doctor? She would never let anything bad happen to him. She's the best."
"As I seem to recall, she's more like a Goddess," Natsume replied, remembering what Tsubaki had called Kagome when the triplets had needed help with studying and she'd come to their rescue.
Kagome laughed out loud. Azusa's stomach was starting to hurt from clenching so hard, his heart on fire with his roiling emotions. He couldn't stand listening to them for much longer.
The two old friends continued to make small talk for a few more minutes until Kagome mentioned having to return to work, and Natsume citing the same. Azusa breathed a sigh of relief. Nothing in their conversation had been too alarming nor did it speak of romance in any way, shape, or form. Just the way he liked and preferred it.
Natsume was the first to leave but not without securing a brunch outing with Kagome to catch up. When Kagome was finally alone, Azusa came out of his hiding spot to make his presence known.
The raven haired beauty blinked in surprise. "Azusa-kun?"
Abruptly, he pulled her into his arms, embracing her tightly to his leanly muscled frame. She froze for a second, surprised, before tentatively repeating his name. They had known each other for so many years, not once had the darkest haired triplet ever expressed himself so boldly. Her cheeks couldn't help flushing in embarrassment of their proximity.
Azusa buried his face in her sweet smelling hair, breathing in her wonderful scent and overall presence. "Sorry," he mumbled, though didn't honestly mean the apology. "I just want to be selfish for a few minutes, Kagome-chan."
Her eyes softened. "I think you're overdue for a bit of greed." She knew his personality well. He had the habit of putting others – especially Tsubaki – before himself. If it meant someone else's happiness, he would sacrifice his own.
"Then… will you listen to my selfish request?"
Kagome silently nodded.
He eased far enough away to gaze into her eyes, violet clashing with sapphire. They were so close, their noses practically brushed against each other, breaths mingling.
"Can you make me one your famous hot chocolates?" His smile was tender and heartbreakingly sweet. "It's been a while since I've had a cup."
She giggled. Reaching down, she blindly grasped one of his hands with one of her own, fingers laced together like two pieces of a puzzle. "I promise I'll make it perfect," she said, her words echoing a long-ago vow.
Azusa closed his eyes, pressing his forehead against hers. It felt right: the way they stood together, the way their fingers were intertwined, the way contentment settled over their beings.
"Thank you," he softly said. He was thanking Kagome for more than the hot chocolate, and they both knew it.
Her voice was equally soft. "You're welcome."
That day, their friendship had changed into something… more.
And they both knew that too.
KH*AA*KH*AA
Age: 27
Kagome sighed as she ran a hand through her raven tresses, a beautiful sapphire ring shining from a specific finger on her left hand, as she unlocked the front door to her apartment. She and Masaomi-sensei had just finished their shifts at the hospital, so they had carpooled back to the apartment complex. She was tired after working an overnight, but was glad to be home. Ever since returning from her honeymoon, it had felt like she'd been working nonstop.
She pouted. As a newly married woman, she wanted to spend time with her husband. They had tied the knot within the last year, yet it felt like she'd barely seen him.
Then again, she thought with an even deeper pout, we both have demanding careers. I guess it's to be expected. She didn't have to like – or agree with – it though.
"Welcome home," Azusa greeted, smiling warmly at his wife. He was standing in their kitchen, ingredients and cooking utensils spread out as he prepared breakfast for two. The near-girly apron he wore made the picture complete.
Kagome squealed happily, throwing herself into his arms. "Azusa-kun," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck while his fit perfectly around her trim waist. She grinned widely. "I didn't think you'd be home. I thought you and Tsubaki-kun were still promoting your new project in Kyoto."
"I caught an earlier train back," he replied. Gaze softening, he brushed her bangs out of her sapphire orbs. "I missed you. Natsume told me you'd be working overnight, so I wanted to be home to greet you when you came back." His expression shifted, brows furrowing, and lips pursed. "Why did I have to hear about that from Natsume? Have you been hanging out with him again, Kagome-chan?" Jealousy colored his tone towards the end.
She rolled her eyes. "You know nothing ever happened between me and Natsume-kun," she gently scolded, though her heart fluttered at his possessiveness. She loved it when her Azusa got all territorial and greedy. "Besides, it's no secret that his gaming company is working on a new game that involves the medical field. He's been consulting with me for months now."
"He could always ask Masaomi-nii-san," Azusa grumbled. "He's a doctor, too."
Deciding not to poke the bear while he was already sulky, Kagome changed the subject. She placed a kiss on the corner of his mouth before pulling away to glance around their messy kitchen. "What were you trying to make, Azusa-kun?" she questioned.
Azusa muttered something unintelligible.
"What was that?"
"… hot chocolate."
Kagome could feel a sweat-drop forming on the back of her head. She gave her husband a placating look. "Don't worry. I'll make it. Okay? Go sit in the living room, and I'll let you know when breakfast is ready."
"Alright…"
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~Celestial Law
