Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim property of Ore No Imouto Ga Konna Ni Kawaii Wake Ga Nai / OreImo / My Little Sister Can't be This Cute. The origins belong to the novelization provided by Tsukasa Fushimi.
A/N: Wow, I actually got this out in time. Dedicated to Miracles79 who managed to keep this story on my mind for 4 years, lol.
"... Yeah, this isn't going to end well," Kyousuke admitted to himself aloud after a defeated sigh, but kept his pace steady as he walked. His sight was strictly on the eroge game slipped inside of a gift bag.
'Best Desserts with My Little Sister'
Title? Check. Brand new purchase? Check? Age restriction? All Ages. Not the intended R-18 edition. Failure.
Kyousuke had no choice in the matter though; despite his best to head into Akihabara so early in the morning, waiting in line for hours for GAMERS to open, the game was on very limited supply run , and his reserved copy was somehow bought ahead of time. The employees and manager offered their sincerest apologies, and the only alternative they could offer was to sell the censored version at a reduced markdown. Kyousuke had asked how it was possible for his reserved copy to be bought out, to which the manager had reminded the buyer regarding their bidding policy (not to mention that said purchase came from a VIP at their location). Not wanting to cause a significant scene, he appreciated their effort and bought the available edition.
In sheer desperation, Kyousuke had spent the rest of that morning and afternoon rushing to other stores looking for an available properly rated copy, alas true to limited runs, it was in great demand...
Kyousuke swallowed in admittance that there was nothing more he could do, thus sealed the box with tape, then tied its bow neatly. The best he could do at this point was make sure the gift was nice and presentable. Perhaps he can find another copy at a later time to replace it. Hopefully the intended recipient can wait just a few days...
"Oh who am I kidding, she's never changed," Kyousuke scorned himself for the false hope. After taking a deep breath and letting out a sigh from the circumstances, the young man brought a smile to his face and looked ahead; he can't be showing disappointment on this lovely holiday. After all, Christmas was about showing gratitude towards loved ones.
Christmas had finally arrived in Japan, and this time around the season yielded a pure White Christmas, not just spurts of snow fluttering around. He placed his gloved hand out and let the falling snow pile. It only took a few seconds for a decent mount to build there. He did not recall how many years since they've moved into this neighborhood that it snowed this well. This time around he may very well be able to build a true snowman in his yard.
"I doubt it will be a snowman though, they may want to just build Meruru in her glory," Kyousuke jested with truth behind his words. After all, more than a decade later after its original run concluded, his wife was still obsessed over that series. The next coming year would be its 15th anniversary which in surety would be celebrated year long in his household. Still, he came to appreciate the series over time of course, so he couldn't lay blame.
Thinking of the holiday, Kyousuke was thankful for his job which granted him the ability to take a day off so easily to find this present, unlike the job he long in his teenage years that was so demanding (he reminded himself to send a greetings card to Chang earlier last week). Now as a licensed promoter, he could take advantage of his lobbying skills to gain the best offers in his field, not to mention set his own schedule. In fact, his abilities were so desired that he was recently offered another position as a lobbyist for an anime production team, but had been forced to decline on behalf of his spouse (solely on the grounds that they produced Maschera: Lament of a Fallen Beast).
Along with his own schedule, he gained the freedom to move anywhere that best fit their need, thus Kyousuke had settled in Yachiyo just north of Chiba. The house itself wasn't too far from the apartment he and his spouse originally lived in which had its benefits; after all, on occasion they would visit to relive memories. Despite the close distance, neither had been back to the original house still owned by Daisuke (reasons so being well understood). Still, if fate would permit it...
Yachiyo, although smaller and less developed than Chiba, was still well within his dreams of living large. He gained a favorable relationship with his neighbors, even hosting events time to time at his two story house, and gained a reasonable reputation in the city as being both reliable and trustworthy. Contrary to his nature, he found the outgoing, charismatic approach in life gave him something greater than a normal life.
Above all else, Kyousuke appreciated the amenities available in his neighborhood. It offered a wonderful park set with a playground available which proved very beneficial to his family. Also featured was a nice level trail that he frequents with his wife (only recently finally outpacing her in the sprints), not to mention plenty of stations throughout that offered natural obstacles for physical development. Even that dastardly bastard would give praise to Kyousuke's great lean physique nowadays, should he return from his overseas adventures.
Perhaps due to his heightened cardio, Kyousuke reached his house, much quicker than anticipated. He took a moment to stand at his gate before thinking of opening it. Their house stood tall compared to his immediate neighbors, the only two story along the block. His yard, albeit on the smaller side compared to its backyard, gave a warm and comforting atmosphere upon first sight. He kept it well-maintained with shrubs groomed evenly, a sandbox dug on its left filling up with snow, and a looming maple tree still in its youth planted on the right.
"Looks like the snow is blanketing well," Kyousuke commented at the state of fairs surrounding him then excused himself inside. He brushed some snow off the childish figure posted on the gate as he passed. He could not see the sidewalk due to the coat of snow, but he knew the path well. Instead of following it though, he veered off to the right towards the tree, a ritual he seemed to have picked up after planting it. His hand reached up and felt the young leaves, covered in the the blanketing snow (careful not coat himself in the large amount above). The smile on his face widened the moment he looked at the bark, and used his glove to brush over a specific spot. Carved on the wooden surface was a deep series of cuts marking "K.K + K.K." and a year that had healed over time. "Hm, still looking good. I'll need to remember to etch it again once spring comes around."
His attention was taken away at the sight of moving silhouettes at the kitchen window beside him. He recognized their owners right away by their height and their lively motion as if working fast or joking around (possibly yelling at one another depending on the subject). Not wishing to keep those inside waiting longer, Kyousuke hopped back to place and arrived at the patio. A layer of snow was still built around his thermal pants despite the previous motion, so brushed off the excess before quietly opening the front door.
Kyousuke chose not to announce himself just yet, a ploy to prepare himself for the worst. Kyousuke shuffled his feet ever softly to dry them on the mat, then took his boots off and aligned them beside the others lined on the wall. He brushed off his clothes once more and his hair of any remaining snow, then shifted his present up into his sleeve to keep it hidden from sight. Assured that he was ready, he clapped his cheeks and adjusted his wedding ring inside his glove in assurance.
'Yosh, time to face the music,' Kyousuke mentally established to himself in order to solidify his resolve. He took in a deep breath and bellowed out.
"I'M HO-"
No sooner had the first syllable left his lips did he hear the commotion begin; a loud, childish squeal, the clatter of some pot or pan against the counter, the cladder of small feet and a door slamming shortly afterwards. An ascending holler of excitement was closing in quickly down the nearby hall, and the man had no choice but to brace himself for impact.
"-yyyyyyyAAAAAYYYYYYY! MOMMY! MOMMY! BASTERD'S HOME!"
"H-Hey not tha- UMPH!"
Like an eager puppy, a small female figure had darted from the corner and slid down after the sharp turn, no doubt due to her socks, but recovered just as quick into a lung towards Kyousuke's waist. Despite such a small stature, her ability to gain speed so quickly made enough momentum to push Kyousuke back into the door, his hands instinctively clasped down on her shoulders. The girl greatly squeezed her arms around his waist as if to never let go, giggling as she did.
"Welcome home, Kyou-Kyou!" Ushio spitted out after looking up to Kyousuke. In kind, he smiled and rubbed her darker brunette hair in tease. He never could get over the fact how much she looked like her mother. Speaking of...
"Jeez Ushio, we really need to work on your vocabulary. Didn't we talk about using that word?"
"Heehee, but Mommy always calls you that! You look happy when she does!" Kyousuke's smile twitched at the insinuation, another reminder that he needed to talk to her mother about the choice of words used in the house.
"A-Anyways, that was a stronger greeting than the last one; you are going to grow up strong for sure. Were you a good girl helping out in the kitchen?" His inquiry earned him an honest hum.
"Sure did! I made many good things with Mommy! You gotta see!"
"Hm, I will, won't I? Sorry it took me so long, I had some unexpected... setbacks," Kyousuke mused but trailed off upon seeing his wife leaned against the corner, her expressive pout the exacite opposite of the bundle of joy in his arms.
"Setbacks, you say. And don't rub Ushio's hair like that, you look like a perv," Kirino chided as she crossed her arms in annoyance, her eyes narrowing down on her favorite prey. Despite her harsh words, Kyousuke knew better than what it portrayed; she wanted to be the first to welcome him back but her younger version beat her to the punch. her middle finger ran along the side of her wedding ring as she waited for an answer.
Once again, Kyousuke could not stop the thought of how similar the two were, if only the difference was merely height and hair color (and that Ushio wore 2 hair clips instead of her mother's 1). Ushio had her shoulder-length hair down whereas Kirino's was tied to the side and back in a single ponytail. Kirino was dressed in a pink apron (sponsored by the decorated image of Meruru, of course) unlike the casual shirt and shorts of Ushio. Kirino had definitely grown well over the years, much of her growth focused to her legs and bust (though it should be mentioned that Kyousuke didn't dream of mentioning it aloud else he get punched). She was dressed in her best holiday attire from what he could glimpse behind that apron, a green/red/white crop top with a red short skirt below.
Ushio only rubbed her head into the offered hand above in protest to her mother's words. "I don't mind! Kyou-Kyou's hands are nice and big! I can rub against them all day long!"
The words irked Kyousuke more than Kirino, though in contrast she wore her disgust openly on her facial features. The brother could only offer a weak laugh in response.
"Just what have you been cohering my sweet daughter into..." Kirino muttered under her breath as she approached, her feet stomping at every step.
"H-Hey hey! Don't look that deep into it! You know how Ushio still doesn't understand her words well!" Kyousuke tried his best to pull aside the younger girl to avoid further issues, considering how her height ends where his belt begins. He noticed that Kirino was starting to outstretch her hands, indicating she was about to take her brother and throw him-
But then, she also wrapped her arms around him and Ushio's head, embracing the two in a hug. "Whatever, just welcome home already. You really should have been here earlier though."
Kyousuke chuckled in response, aware this outcome was bound to happen. He knew his sister's personality switches all too well by now, no longer taken by surprise. In proper manner, he leaned down and kissed Kirino's forehead. "Y-Yeah, sorry about that. Like I said, I really did get setback several times. Really, you would think when you ask for a product they will hold it-"
"Ah! Present, present! I found a present!" Ushio disrupted the man as she felt the gift hidden in his sleeve. She appeared under the impression the gift was meant for her, to which she eagerly tried to pry from his grip. Kyousuke fought back since he was aware of the content inside not suitable for her.
"H-Hang on a bit, Ushio! I do have a present for you but, uh- this one is..." Kyousuke looked to his sister for assistance. His eyes motioned to the gift to convey what was actually inside. However, Kirino only winked.
"Just give it to her, it's okay. My daughter can never be too spoiled, after all," Kirino proudly insisted as she stepped into her brother's front, watching as Ushio gained victory over the present. Kyousuke conceded and let the girl have it.
"Yay! Thank you, Mommy! Thank you, Kyou-Kyou! What is it, what is it?!" Ushio started to fumble at the ribbon trying to unravel the simple design, but her excitement got the best of her. Obviously, Kyousuke needed to be cautious with what he said here...
"Well, it is a game, that's for sure. Though, hm, what can I say about-"
*Co-*COUGH COUGH* *WHEEZE* *COUGH* *COUGH*
""Ushio!""
The siblings yelled out in unison after the young girl suddenly burst into a violent cough, clutching her arms into her chest. Kirino tended the quickest to her daughter, wrapping her arms around the body and pumping a fist against the back to help clear the girls' airway. Kyousuke in kind rushed over to the hallway cabinet a few steps away in search for one of the emergency inhalers in a bowl. He found one and darted over to the girls. As a practiced motion, Kyousuke brought the device up to the girl's mouth, pressing on the button to disperse a shot.
"Breathe easy, Honey. Come on now. You got too excited," Kirino cooed soft words while she embraced her daughter, the grave concern obvious in her manners. After a few seconds and a deep breath later, Ushio recovered.
"Uhn! I'm fine! Thank you very fecking much, Kyou-Kyou!" Either the gratitude was for his quick actions or the gift that she managed to unwrap during the attack, but Kyousuke took it in stride (though the siblings definitely needed to work on her understanding of certain words, and their pronunciation...).
"You're welcome. Just make sure to take it easy," Kyousuke reminded the girl and once again rubbed his hand into her hair, earning a giggle in turn.
"Can I play it now? I'm so excited to see how it plays!" Ushio exclaimed as she tried to read the back, but she was cut short by Kirino who patted the girl on her shoulders.
"Hold on, you know good little girls don't get into their gifts until after dinner. You can play it later after we have eaten. Besides, don't you want to show Aniki what you made?"
"Ah! Mommy's right! I made lots of fecking good stuff, Kyou-Kyou! Come see!"
Eager to show off her creation, Ushio took both siblings by the hand and urged them down the hall towards the kitchen. Neither gave any resistance as they followed, using their free hands to clasp each other in loving support. Kyousuke and Kirino smiled at each other and sighed in relief of the quick passing of that medical emergency.
The distance from the entrance to the kitchen door was slightly longer than what the siblings were used to back at their parent's due to the house's length, but it came with the benefit of really decorating the place well. Numerous portraits of Ushio growing over the years were positioned evenly along the way, with interchangeable photos of the siblings together on various trips. The siblings had to squeeze into one another to avoid bumping into two of the hallway tables, each motioning in perfect synergy with each other. Ushio pushed open the kitchen door with her foot and ushered the couple inside.
The kitchen was considered the third most cherished space in the house that Kirino boasted to her guests, falling far behind her archive and entertainment rooms respectively (solely because of the figurines and wall posters stationed in abundance). Nonetheless both invested thoroughly into its utilities; top of the line stove, refrigerator, and deep, stainless steel sinks, and marbled counters along the walls. A stationed countertop occupied the center which was covered in plates of food, and at the end of that countertop stood a built-in hibachi grill that was frequently used for hosted parties (a piece that Kyousuke was most fond of using himself). At the end of the black bar attached to the hibachi grill was a modest wooden table and chair setup devoted only to the immediate family, evident by the 3 chairs.
The centerfold that Kyousuke had focused on was of course the food assortment: an array of sushi chilled on ice, vegetables and salad prepared in large bowls, and a slow cooker running in the middle, cooking a turkey inside based on the smell in the air. In earnest, Kyousuke let out a whistle as Ushio moved forward alone which left the siblings to hold each other affectionately.
"Wow Ushio, you really did a good job," Kyousuke praised in truth at the setup, though he was well aware the majority of the work was done by his wife, but credit due where credit due he would say. Ushio pointed towards the plate of cookies at the end of the counter.
"I made cookies too! Chocolate chip just like you like, Kyou-Kyou!" Ushio picked up the plate and held it overhead, truly proud of her accomplishment. Kirino hummed in agreement.
"Yes, she made those all by herself, I didn't even have to remind her of the recipe," Kirino chimed in though motioned over to the trash can, more than likely a pre-made package thrown away. Kyousuke only smirked at the implication.
Kyousuke was impressed at the attention to detail given to the meal; the freshness of the ingredients gave merit to how well Kirino had developed her skills. After all it only been a few years ago that the couple were still eating burnt ramen during her experimental phase as a mother. He had to stop thinking about that, seeing a glean in his wife's eyes as though she read his mind.
"So, this Christmas we will have a house salad mixed in avocado salmon topped with Mediterranean dressing, heated cauliflower brewed in a garlic broth, green beans and sweet corns, sides of eel, crab, and shrimp sushi, and of course the main dish- a honey roasted turkey. Bon appetit!" Kirino kissed her fingers in appreciation of her masterpiece. Kyousuke smiled in kind.
"Always the best."
"Yes! Mommy is the bestest fecking cook ever!" Ushio ran over to her mother and hugger her around the waist.
"Jeez, I swear I need to watch my mouth when I'm around you; your vocabulary just keeps getting worse," Kirino scorned herself seeing the repeated curse word being used by her daughter. Kyousuke nodded in agreement.
"Seriously, we are going to have a bad time with school if she keeps that up."
"Heehee! They are good words only at home, aren't they Kyou-Kyou?"
Kyousuke sighed in retaliation.
"Only at... They aren't good words, period. We may need to review what we can let you watch too-"
"Oh speaking of, isn't that Meruru special coming on soon, Ushio? Why don't you run off to the entertainment room while the grown ups talk."
Instantly, stars appeared in the daughter's eyes; if not already evident, Ushio was raised on the praise of that show by her mother. "Aaaaah! I forgot! I can't wait! Call me when dinner's ready! For now, vengeance is mine! HYAAhaa hahahahaha-" *SLAM*
Not willing to waste any further time, Ushio rushed off towards the opposite door on the left, opening and slamming it behind her towards the entertainment room. Kirino cringed at the display mimicry that Ushio openly displayed. "Urgh she's even acting like Thanatos now. I thought I raised her right like a good Meruru~."
Kyousuke squeezed his wife closer in comfort. "I believe a certain black cat may have caused this one. I recall Ruri was showing Ushio some of her doujinshi last week and trying to make the villain look cool."
Kirino growled at the notion. "That Kuroneko! Grr, she would try to corrupt an innocent soul like that... Hmph! That's it! Her name is barred from this household starting today! If you even describe an ounce of her character there will be no dinner for the rest of the night!"
"Heh, seriously now," Kyousuke mused aloud, then used a swift slight of hand to bring Kirino's chin up and sealed his lips against hers. The move caught his wife off-guard, evident in the way she twitched then melted in his embracing arms as he deepened the kiss, involving his tongue to an extent. They kissed with such passion for what seemed like several minutes before he pulled back and ran the back of his hand against her cheek. Like a suave gentleman, he smiled at her and spoke few words. "Feel better now?"
Kirion was breathless while she squeezed against him, using his frame for support. "Ahh... Ahhh... Yeah."
"Good. The last thing I want is to ruin the holiday for you," Kyousuke finished in a hug then pulled away to wash his hands at the sink, taking off his gloves in the process. Kirino stood still for the moment, recalling the feeling and blushed in earnest. "Jeez, when did you become so slick?"
"Hm? I've always been slick if you ask me," Kyousuke answered in a tease while he cleaned off the soap lathered in his hands. He turned around, and upon seeing her vulernable state, remembered that he would be better off apologizing now than later.
"So about that gift, I'm sorry. I really did try to get my reserved copy of the R-18 rating, but some bidder apparently got the last copy. I didn't think they still honored such a policy in Akihabara."
"Hm? Oh don't worry about that," Kirino finally managed to recover and forgave her brother before she tended to the slow cooker, checking the temperature and that the fluid inside was still baking. "I got an idea of who got the last one."
Kyousuke found himself stunned at the revelation. If she knew that was going to happen, why didn't she warn him ahead of time? "Wait, if you need that was going to happen, why didn't you-"
"Why don't you set the table, Aniki? The turkey is about ready to be carved," Kirino cut him off with a wink as she motioned to the cabinets where their silverware and plates were stored. Kyousuke narrowed his eyes at his sister, but resigned himself to the duty assigned. He would need to pry the information from her later tonight. First though, he took off his heavy coat and put it on the hanger near the entrance door.
'She knows something for sure,' Kyousuke thought to himself as he collected 3 plates and a 3 sets of knives, forks, spoons, and a pair of chopsticks for Ushio. Once he arrived at the table and started on the placement, he started up a conversation with his wife.
"Anyways, how was the rest of the day? Ushio cause you any troubles?"
"No not at all, she really focused on the food today. I guess telling her that you'd be thrilled at eating her food was just the right tools for the job," Kirino proudly explained as though she conspired a grand scheme.
"Definitely a good distracted then, well done."
"Hm, other than that it was quite relaxing for a change. How's the negotiations going with the contract? DId that company accept the terms?"
Kyousuke clicked his fingers in response. "Ah! Glad you mentioned that! Yes it did! You can anticipate Gorgeous Miss Ayase to be covered on the centerfold on the next two issues of G-BX. Can't say it would have went any better!"
"Urgh, just call her Ayase for once. You know how she gets using those odd titles of yours," Kirino chided him with a pointed finger, taking the opportunity to avoid another catastrophe. Last thing the brother needed was another beating from her best friend after accidentally calling her "Adorable Ayase" last time...
"Ah, ha ha ha..."
"Oh another thing, Aniki! I notice that you haven't packed your bags yet. You know we have that trip coming up next week, right? I'm not going to remind you again."
Kyousuke nearly dropped the plate in his hand at the realization. "Ah, that's right. Can't believe that slipped my mind; your shots in Madagascar. It's supposed to be mostly warm there this season, right? I guess I was too busying getting my clothes ready for the snow that it slipped my mind, hahaha..."
Kirino narrowed her eyes not believing that excuse. "Liar. You flat out forgot."
"...Yeah. Sorry."
Kirino tossed a crouton at her brother, to which he managed to catch in his mouth. "No lying to me. You promised. But yes, make sure to pack light and cool clothes, otherwise you are going to be sweating your butt off. Also there is a nice hiking trail that I want to take Ushio along. Should be a good experience for her."
"Great. Do you need me to look over the medicine just in case?" Kirino nodded in turn.
"Please. I want to be safe," Kirino's attitude seemed to drift sour at the sudden mention, but Kyousuke was quick on the turn.
"Will do, do we plan to be on the beach while we're there? Might need to bring another case to put souvenirs in."
"Oh yes, we should! I think we can put some more seashells in the garden outside to match the rocks!" Kirino chuckled as she remembered something. "I should let you know now- Ushio was wanting to sneak a lemur back with us as a pet."
"Wh-What? A lemur? Isn't that a rodent?" A visual of a large rat came to the brother's mind, most notably a long tail that he knew to that name.
"Primate, actually. We were watching a video while waiting on the turkey all about them, very acrobatic and have a long tail. Apparently it is her next favorite thing in the world."
Kyousuke scratched his nose just as he finished the setup and joined his wife at the counter. "Eh, I hope you didn't get her hopes up. Even if they could be a pet, I doubt customs will be willing to turn a blind eye to bringing an exotic animal in."
Kirino only chuckled in response. Once she was comfortable with the setting, she clapped her hands in joy. "Alright, everything's ready. Do you want to bring her in? I'll put the food on the table."
Before she could even offer, Kyousuke already snuck another peck on her lips and stole the slow cooker from the counter. "Let me take care of the heavier piece, and I'll wrangle in the little one."
Despite some frustration at the act, Kirino nodded her head and gathered the rest of the bowls in her hands. Kyousuke placed the turkey on the table and headed towards the entertainment room door.
Not even a second after opening the door could he hear the show's fight theme blasting from the TV. He smiled at the very image of the girl planted at the edge of the couch, her arms clinched tightly around a pillow with a great smile on her face. Her anxiousness at the action on the screen overtook her body as her legs shook beneath her with the beat. Kyousuke remembered the episode specific, thus knew within the next 30 seconds the ending credits would come up. Just in time to plan his move.
Kyousuke breathed in silently as he snuck behind the onlooker and took hold of the remote that sat at the top of the couch, ready to turn it off at the exact moment. Then, after the first line of credits scrolled on screen, Kyousuke powered the TV off.
"Wh-Wha?!" Ushio yelled out in total surprise, no doubt expecting a cliffhanger based on the desperate position that Meruru found herself in, wrapped in tentacles with Thanatos gaining the upper hand. Ushio didn't get a chance to look back for the remote before Kyousuke let out a bellowing laugh.
"Hyaaahahahaha! Now what will our courageous heroine do, after the show has concluded?! What will the next episode bring other than Meruru's demise at my own hands?! Hyaaahahahahaha!" Kyousuke brought his hands up and across themselves at his chest, taking up a signature pose he made up over the years, his head uplifted as if to taunt God himself. Instead of being upset or confrontational, his audience happily clapped and laughed.
"Hyaaahahahaha! Kyou-Kyou being a villain again! What an evil basterd! Heeheehee!"
Kyousuke eased out of his laugh and sat the remote down, then ruffled Ushio's hair once more, a rather favorite action he liked to do. "Aren't I always? So, are you ready to eat? Your mother's got all the food set."
"Yaay! Food's ready~! Food's ready~!" Ushio joyfully celebrated as she jumped off her cushion and ran up to Kyousuke, taking his hand to lead the way. Kyousuke didn't mind how she always took an initiative, no doubt the result of good parenting and inherited charisma. Ushio made sure to announce their arrival at the table by saying continuing the cherade.
"Mommy! The evil basterd turned off the TV! He is so evil!" Ushio made it sound like less an accusation than a matter of fact, which made Kirino chuckle before she helped Ushio into her chair.
"Is that so? I guess we will need to punish him in the name of the Moon later. I'll think of a punishment game for him later too," Kirino commented aloud as though the hint was foreboding to something later in the night. Kyousuke gulped in response to that last statement.
"Yaay~! I'll beat him up so good!" Ushio tried her best to use the proper hand signs, but failed utterly to everyone's delight. Kyousuke only shook his head knowing what would happen later: some endless pummeling with the pillows. Brought back into the moment, he brought his fork to his glass to get their attention, Ushio already eyeing the sushi in front of her.
"To the best wife ever."
Kirino blushed profusely despite the fact those same words were always used at the start of their daily meals. "Y-You are so lame sometimes, Aniki..."
"""Thanks for the meal!"""
All three declared, then the siblings watched as the daughter dived into the sushi. As demonstrated, Ushio's favorite food were those assorted rolls as she used the chopsticks to take two or three at a time, though several fell out of her hold because of her poor placement. Kyousuke merely watched and listened with a smile to his face as Kirino reminded the girl to slow down.
Kyousuke was pleased at the sight, a visual reminder of the purpose of Christmas: to be grateful for what one has. He had earned this future, being able to provide a family meal and having two wondeful people in his daily life. Granted he would have also appreciated having their parents there, but circumstances given... that wasn't a possibility for the foreseeable future (though word through the grapevine was that Daisuke was quite fond of the little girl despite his words). That also wasn't to say that he didn't want to invite their closest friends as well to the meal, as they would host a party this coming weekend (hopefully all the little ones would also come along to keep Ushio company while business matters were brought up, especially as it pertained to "that game" still selling well).
Eventually chided by his spouse for not partaking, Kyousuke also dug into the food, bringing in modest portions into his plate. As described previously, the arrangement was mostly moderate yet high quality as expected of the well-endorsed model; they always shop at the local market to get fresh ingredients, not to mention having connections to certain suppliers for the seafood used in the sushi, much Ushio's delight. Kyousuke recalled previously how their friend on the fishing end had even offered to bring Ushio on one of his trips to the sea, though the siblings were still considering the offer. For now, Kyousuke returned his attention to the food at hand.
A good amount of time passed as the family joyfully ate, Ushio taking up most of the talk by recapping the events of the aired episode. As expected, Kirino was quick to the topic and talked in depth with her daughter about certain action scenes while Kyousuke listened. Once all of the members were full, they placed their utensils down and once again offered their thanks.
"Is it time to beat up the fecking basterd?!" Ushio stated aloud as she waved her hand in the air as if using a wand. Kyousuke irked, she was already wanting to do that after eating?
"Not this time, Ushio. Remember what you need to do first?" Kirino asked as she walked behind her daughter and played with her hair, tapping lightly on the two hair clips to get the girl to think.
"Hmmmm... AH! Video games! Kyou-Kyou, you have to play with me!"
"Ah ah! Something else."
"Awww... brush teeth first..." Ushio moaned the true answer which earned a sincere hum from her mother. She moved the girl out of her chair and up to Kyousuke. "Besides, this guy has other tasks he needs to complete before he goes to bed. Go ahead and wish him good night."
"Aaaaaw, but the game!"
"Hm, your mother is right. Someone's got to clean up this mess. Plus I have some work I need to do tonight, so how about I promise we'll play first thing in the morning?" Kyousuke brought up pinky finger up as if to seal a promise, to which Ushio squealed in joy and sealed the deal, using both of her same fingers instead.
"That's a promise! Otherwise Aunty Kuro will place a fecking hex on you!"
'Oh jeez, she invoked something serious...' Kyousuke moaned in his thoughts before regretting letting Kuroneko babysit during the last date night. Kirino also couldn't help letting out a laugh at the threat.
"That won't happen, Ushio! The power of love will break any curse that black cat can muster, right, Aniki?"
Kyousuke grinned in agreement, then brought the young girl into a hug. He once again rubber her hair in an affectionate manner. "Have a sweet dream tonight, Ushio. Don't stay up too late with that game, alright?"
Ushio twitched at the fact Kyousuke already knew what she was planning to do, then presented a sulky expression. "No fair..."
Kirino tapped the girl on the shoulder. "Exactly, no staying up late. I'll come check up on you if you aren't in bed by midnight. Now come on, upstairs we go. Plus I want to see how that game starts too~, huhuhu~."
'Shouldn't you be checking up on her long before that?' Kyousuke asked to himself, knowing well enough if he otherwise was blunt to his sister, he would be lose an ear in the ensuing argument. Instead, Kyousuke waved at the girls as they disappeared behind the door, then he stood up. He gathered the plates and piled them up effortless on his arms, the overall weight not bothering him in the slightest.
He brought the full collection of dishes into the kitchen and set them down into the reservoir beside the main sink. He started to lather the sponge kept near the sink handle with saop, but brought his attention to the large artwork on the right-side of the window ahead instead.
The space on the wall was dedicated to a rather extensive, ongoing collage of materials and photos that was plastered atop a customized Meruru background decorated in hearts. He always enjoyed looking thoroughly at the collection that Kyousuke and Kirino gathered along their relationship since that incident long ago: tickets to Waterpark, a burnt movie ticket to the first Meruru movie, a customized napkin with the initials K.K. on the tip, an autographed biopic from the voice actor of the original Meruru run, a torn up note taped together and folded up, various train tickets and plane tickets, a white thigh strap, various figurine keychains, and of course a large variation of photos of them and their friends. Some were as simple as they come: an awkard picture of the siblings together looking aside with hands behind their backs, a trio picture with Kuroneko holding a leash around Kyousuke's neck with Kirino yelling, a dynamic professional shoot of the siblings posing with Ayase and Kanako in a studio, an off-centered capture of Kyousuke at a bar with high school friends, an overhead shot of Saori taking a selfie surrounded by the video game team, a somewhat mystic photo of that certain bastard somewhere off in the desert with his signed signature, various photobooth reels of the siblings with Ushio climbing around them as a toddler, and of course the most prominent of the collection... The sibling's wedding picture putting their rings on.
"Geez, we may have to extend this to the other side at this pace," Kyousuke suggested to himself after remembering that the siblings still had a case filled with memorabilia they intended to add in. Thinking of all those sweet and tragic memories, Kyousuke hummed in earnest as he looked at his ring then tended to the dishes.
Due to his trained efficiency, he was able to clean them all within a matter of minutes and left them out to dry on a nearby rack. Kyousuke also realized in hindsight that Kirino actually exaggerating about the duties he must attend to- there was still a list of legalities he needed to review about Ayase's contract just in case of any unexpected clauses. He scratched the back of his head in consideration; there was also the matter of making up for the gift to Kirino.
"Guess this night isn't going to end so easily," Kyousuke resigned again to his fate, thus left the kitchen and headed towards upstairs.
The flight of stairs stacked behind the couch in their entertainment room. He took his time, especially to look at the antique grandfather clock that towered in the far-left corner of the room: 9 PM. He imagined he should be able to get through those legal pages within the next few hours. Kyousuke also figured that Kirino would more than likley stay in Ushio's room for most of the night to play that game before she sneaked into their bedroom to play it again on her laptop (a common theme in the household).
Kyouske easily skipped up several steps in lunges to exercise his legs, then stopped at the door of the upstairs bathroom. Ushio and Kirino appeared to be caught up in an intense race towards who can clean their teeth the fastest. As expected, the daughter was nearly an exact replicate of her mother in regards to competition.
Kyousuke watched in envy of the two on how well they bond, but then caught Kirino's attention as she looked towards him. Despite the toothpaste covering her lips, he imagine she was smiling. Unexpectedly though, she winked to him and used her tongue to slowly clean the white mess then started to motion a rather... suggestive act. Kirino pushed the brush deeper into her mouth and brought her tongue down below its base and twisted her tongue along its girth. The action caused Kyousuke to shiver, well aware of the motion based on experience.
"Ha ha! I'm winning, Mommy! I'm almost done!"
"E-Eh?! Oh yeah?! We'll see about that you little-!"
No sooner had Kirino taken her focus off did Ushio start to brag her progress, causing Kirino to join back into the fray. Not intending to stick around and be blamed for his sister's loss, Kyousuke carried on to their bedroom.
The layout of their upstairs was actually quite similar to what they had in their teenage years- the space nearest the stairs was the bathroom, then 2 bedrooms on opposite ends (the farthest on the right being the master bedroom and the closest Ushio's). Unlike their parent's house though, there were some additional rooms. The most important one being the archive room where Kirino housed her vast collection of eroge and figurines. Under penalty of death, no one but Kirino was authorized to enter... though the daughter found ways to sneak in once in awhile.
Another room was dedicated to laundry, housing a washer and dryer along with an ironing door that Kyousuke frequented the most. Entering that room, Kyousuke started to take off his formal clothes, down to his boxers and white shirt. He made sure to check the hallway first before he considered re-entering, a cautious way to avoid being spotted by the girls (Kirino always made it a priority that Kyousuke be dressed while Ushio was around). He could still hear them in the distance from Ushio's room, no doubt already starting the game up based on the joyous squeals. Satisfied, Kyousuke took his time travel over to the master bedroom.
He eased the door partially shut behind him after he entered. He stretched his arms overhead to ease his fatigue and looked to his side of the dresser on the opposing wall. A folder rested there with several documents tucked within, housing the contract in question. He walked over to it, shuffled inside to find a certain page, then walked backwards and collapsed into the bed.
The siblings recently bought the king size bed after realizing they needed... more room... than their previous queen size for their nightly activities, so Kyousuke was able to spread out to his desire. The presettings on the bed caused him to be lopsided, since Kyousuke liked to be on a lower elevation than his sister. Eventually satisfied, he slipped into his preferred crevice. Before focusing on the legal jargon on the form, he shifted over to his nightstand to turn on his personal light. He looked down to see that guide was still resting there, a bookmark showing his last status towards the end. 'Tales of Oreimo! The Sisterly Boogaloo Walkthrough Guide.' Kyousuke picked it up with a frown.
"I really should tell Ruri we need to change that title. Just doesn't sound right..." Kyousuke noted to himself as he looked at the artwork. He had eventually gotten used to the concept art that featured the siblings as the main characters, but surely that team could think of some new themes by now. Then again, the series had sold exceptionally well over the years, especially at Comiket, thus he had no right to protest.
"Oh well, I also need to get that done before the trip or I'll really get cursed again," Kyousuke made a mental note then returned back to the contract in hand. Kyousuke found himself lost to time after rereading several paragraphs, observing if any type of contradiction was written that could cause legal issues for Ayase. He had gotten very familiar with most loopholes after falling for them in past experiences, so he intended to be thorough this time around. Perhaps because of being so thoroughly, he barely noticed how the door creaked close and the light dimmed. Suddenly he felt his body assaulted and the bed shifted downward.
"Wha-"
"Penalty game."
"K-Kiri-"
"Uh uh, you don't get to talk," Kirino whispered as she brought a finger to his lips. Kyousuke suddenly blushed profusely. If the act itself wasn't enough to catch him off-guard, what he saw atop him most certainly did.
Kirino was straddling atop him, stripped down to some very sexy pink lingerie: a very revealing piece that emphasized her skin and barely covered her erotic parts. She wore what must have been a pushup bra as her already developed bust was emphasized more as if daring him to look. Her slim figure brushed against his firm body as easily as the wind, making him eager to proceed. From his position, he could barely comprehend if she was wearing panties based on how skinny they were, lost beneath a laced garter and thigh stockings that rubbed against him. However the most important features that killed Kyousuke's poise: her hair was worn down, and she was wearing those very thing glasses that she bought years ago. His guilty pleasure was being exploited to the max.
"You... You..."
"You didn't think you were getting away that easily without giving me a present, right? You really... Really... got some nerve, A-Ni-Ki~," Kirino cooed as she brought his hands up to her waist, letting his hands slip beneath the straps of her panties and garter to feel her soft skin. Kyousuke could only gulp and try to breath in defense of this aggressive assault.
"I- I- I did try to get it, but wha- wha I-"
Kyousuke tried his best to recover, but the situation was truly overwhelming. Although the siblings made love every night, she taken it to this extreme since his birthday. Each time she knew exactly how to overbear him successfully. Truly enjoying the moment, Kirino eased down and breathed into his ear.
"Do you know who the highest bidder was?"
Kyousuke gasped at the revelation. His wife had bought the game.
"Y-You?!"
Breaking character, Kirino let out a stifled laugh then eased back, settling into his lap before leaning over to his nightstand. She opened the side compartment and took out a wrapped gift. "You know I always get what I want."
"Oh that's just- just sneaky," Kyousuke tried once again to breath out, but the way that she was brushing her butt against his member kept him from thinking.
"I heard that they put a -really- hot scene in the game with the brother at the beginning. I want to try it out first before reading it," Kirino suggested in a heated breath as she started to lower her bra straps. "I bought some whipped cream just for it too," her eyes teased down to the nightstand again implying another part of her gift hidden inside.
"Oh hot dam- W-Wait! What- What about Ushio? We should lock the-"
"Shh. She's not going anywhere any time soon," Kirino assured her brother as she settled into his larger figure, her breast rubbing against his chest, "she's too much like me to stop playing that game. At least until midnight when I go check."
"Oh you are so-"
"By the way, the password tonight is 'manju' though I don't anticipate we will be using it," Kirino whispered into his ear as she playfully lifted his shirt to reveal his hardened abdomen.
Kyousuke eventually recovered from the shock and helped take off his shirt. He pulled her down into a passionate kiss as he pushed against her. "You are going to pay for all of that, you know."
Kirino whimpered into his lips as he started to overtake her. "Ahh, ahh, Aniki, I've been waiting all day, ahh, ahh, for this."
Kirino leaned his sister back to have her legs grip against his waist, his swollen lips trailing down her chin, along her neck, and down to her collar as he licked and kissed her soft skin. "Oh yeah? Me too, Dear."
Kyousuke felt her own hands start to travel along his back, gripping into his muscles as she sought his affection. Her hips grinded into him as he cupped one of her breasts into his free hand. He brought his head back to hers as his supporting hand started to unlatch her bra without effort (thanks to years of practice). "Oh I hope you are ready, this is going to be-"
*COUGH**COUGH*COOOUUUGH**COUGH**COUGH*
The siblings were brought straight out of the moment as they stared at each other in fear.
""Ushio!""
Kyousuke took caution to ensure that Kirino had slipped off his lap before he rushed out of the room and darted down the hall. He nearly broke down Ushio's bedroom door as he opened it and looked around. He immediately found her crouched in her chair with a hand over her mouth with signs of red liquid dripping out. Kyousuke's heart dropped at the sight.
"Shit! Ushio! Ushio, lean back and breath!" Kyousuke instructed while he pulled her out of the chair and into his arms. The daughter was still coughing violently with some of the liquid still spurting from the corner of her lips.
"Damn it, hemoptysis? Hold on Ushio, Mom's getting the medicine. Kirino! Get the epinephrine! Quick!" Kyousuke shouted out while he reached into the computer desk's closest drawer for an inhaler. "Just breathe Ushio, just breathe and try to relax to open your airway," Kyousuke attempted to convey his instructions in a lesser voice but couldn't restrain himself well enough. He managed to sit her down and hover beside her as he supported her smaller back.
Just as Kyousuke was about to bring the device into Ushio's mouth, she stopped him and started to breath better. "Kyou- *cough* Kyou-Kyou, I'm okay *cough*! I just got excited at the *cough* at the screen."
Kyousuke's body started to slowly relax as he watched the girl ease up. At that moment Kirino came in a blitz through the doorway, wearing a thin nightgown with a syringe-like injector in hand. She nearly slid across the room down into their position, ready to inject into her daughter's chest before Kyousuke gripped her wrist to stop.
"Ushio, are you okay! Where does it hurt?!" Kirino's voice also heightened in fear, ready to inject at a moment's notice. In contrasts to the fear in the room, Ushio merely smiled up at her mother.
"I'm fine! I just coughed a bit," Ushio replied while she rubbed her head against Kyousuke's bare chest. Kirino let out a great sigh of relief then felt for her own heart. However Kyousuke wasn't as quick to disengage as he pulled Ushio's face up to observer her mouth.
"But that blood on your mouth, are you sure?!" Kyousuke brought his head down to the daughter's check to listen to her breathing, to which Ushio giggled.
"Heheh, that tickles, Kyou-Kyou! I just spit up my cherry juice! There isn't any blood!"
After assuring that her breathing sounded normal, Kyousuke eased and leaned back. "Jeez, that was a scare..."
"...I'm sorry..." Ushio muttered out in honesty to which caused the siblings to react.
"Oh no honey, he didn't mean-"
"I'm sorry Ushio, I didn't mean anything by that. We were just concerned. Forgive me for overreacting," Kyousuke explained after his adrenaline wore off. He smiled at the girl who smiled back.
"All is forgiven! Thank you... Daddy!"
Kyousuke merely chuckled and scratched his cheek. "Not often I get to hear that one."
In response, Ushio blushed profusely as if caught in the act. "T-That's because Kyou-Kyou is better! It sounds much better!"
Kyousuke chuckled again in response. "You're right. How about you get some rest? Surely you must be tired."
Ushio pouted, obviously eager to get back into her game. "B-But, but... one more chapter?"
Kyousuke looked over to Kirino who was still upset over the ordeal, no doubt still in shock from having to get that emergency dose. Thus Kyousuke made the decision. "How about early in the morning before the sun rises? I'll come wake you up so we can start first thing in the morning."
Despite some reluctance in her voice, Ushio nodded. "Okay..."
Kyousuke nodded in agreement and lifted his daughter then carried her over to her twin sized bed. Kirino joined them and tucked in her daughter while brushing her hair aside, taking our the hair clips and placing them on her night stand.
"Mommy? Kyou-Kyou?"
""Yes?""
Both siblings responded in genuine unison, accustomed to that fact. In response to that, Ushio gave a weak giggle and looked them in the eyes. "I love you!"
"We love you too, Ushio," Kirino responded on behalf of her brother, each one of the siblings taking a moment to bow down and plant a kiss on the girls' cheeks. After settling in, Ushio smiled at them and closed her eyes, quick to drift into sleep unexpectedly.
Despite wanting to smile, neither sibling could muster one any longer, frowning at the sight. Kyousuke turned on the night light while holding onto his wife who clung to his waist. He motioned them to leave the room, closing it behind him.
"That was unexpected," Kyousuke managed to start as if to fill the silence.
"Hnn..."
"Other than earlier, was that her first cough from today?"
"...She had a fit earlier, I give her double the medicine just in case..."
Kyousuke frowned at the prospect, seeing how dejected his sister had become at the thought. She took the ailment worse than him considering all the trauma they had endured since Ushio's birth. As always, Kyousuke hugged her against him.
"I'm free on Friday. I'll take her up to see Yayuma, he can prescribe something stronger."
"Y-Yeah..."
"Hey, look at me," Kyousuke insisted and pulled her downtrotten chin up to him so they could lock eyes. "Ushio is going to be okay. Rmemeber that Yayuma mentioned he had isolated a possible treatment last month? It will only be a matter of time before he develops something."
"...You're right," Kirino eventually chimed in as she let a smile return. "I'll admit I never liked his approach, but he's done well for us in the end."
"Exactly, and her occurrences have lessened quite a bit over time. Who knows, we might just get a cure in the end," Kyousuke endlessly focused on the bright side of the situation, no doubt a skill he mastered in his life. In turn, Kirino perked up to her usual self.
"Yes, we knew what we were getting into when we had Ushio."
"Yes, very much so. I won't let anything worse come up from this point on. She's always going to be in the best care if I can help it."
Kirino stopped Kyousuke in his track, getting his attention in full as she pulled him in even closer. "...You really are a great father..."
Kyousuke smiled back and leaned his head aside. "You expected something else? I just wish I was a good as you are a mother and wife."
Kirino looked aside in pure shyness, completed caught off-guard by the sentiment. "You are always so slick, Aniki. Oh!"
Kyousuke took advantage of the moment by sweeping his wife off her feet, bringing her into a bridal carry. Kirino allowed it to happen and relaxed her head against his developed chest. Her hands buried into his figure.
"You haven't carried me like this in a long time."
"Anything for you, Dear. What was the password again for tonight?" Kyousuke let out a cheerful laugh while Kirino joined, and the husband took his wife back into the room to resume the nightly affair.
A/N: Huh, this felt like it was longer than it was. To be honest I had wanted to write in a lemon at the least, but I'm uncomfortable with my current writing skills so it may be something append at a later time or to be incorporated in SC naturally. As mentioned, this should give everyone a sneak peak at what SC will eventually arrive to, hints of possible events and outcomes with some characters. Opposite of Empty Places, I of course wanted a happier ending than (spoiler) Kyousuke's death (/spoiler) with Ushio, but still needed a grave matter to take away from that story hence the vaguely indicated illness here.
If anyone is still around, I really do need 2 beta readers to help me push more SC chapters out, as I admit I have a hard time brainstorming new chapters and also proofreading, as I tend to add more than try to minimize. So if interested, please PM and we'll discuss possibilities. Please look forward to Chapter 43 of SC within the near future. Thank you for your time!