DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Juli laid on the couch board.
'What a dull weekend,' he thought.
"Meow" he heard a muffle cat as Tsubaki came up to him with one of his balls in his mouth.
"Okay sure," Juli said as Tsubaki dropped the ball down in front of him. He rolled the ball in front of him for a moment before knocking it off onto the floor. Tsubaki immediately ran after it, batting at it whenever he managed to catch up with it.
"Ah the simple things," Juli said, "I bet you two probably didn't even notice we've been alone this whole time. Except when Louis came by to feed you. To think that was the highlight of the weekend."
As soon as he said that the door opened.
"Hi Juli, hi cats," Louis called out.
"Oh you've come back huh?" Juli said as he ran and jumped on the kitchen counter, "surprised you came back today, given Chi and Natsume are due home later."
"Well, I figured I'd double check on the cats, make sure they were fed and taken care of before they got back. One less thing they'd have to worry about," Louis explained, "plus I figured you were lonely and bored and wanted some compy. Also I wanted to formally introduce you to my girlfriend Yuki."
"Hmm?" Juli said as he looked behind Louis to see a woman with short white hair with silver specks within it. It reminded Juli of a snowfall.
"Hi Juli," Yuki said kindly.
"Hey," Juli said.
"You're as cute as Louis described," Yuki mentioned.
"Well thank you," Juli said smug. He noticed Yuki give an all knowing smile.
"So she's the rival hairdresser?" Juli asked his friend.
"Oh she's not so much a rival as she she is friendly competition," Louis insisted.
"Did she do her hair herself?" Juli asked.
"You like my hair Juli? I did do it myself, it's actually my salon's specialties," Yuki said before Louis could reply.
"Hmm?" Juli said.
'Did she? Nah, I'm sure she was just mentioning it out loud,' he thought.
"Let's check the kitties' food dishes," Louis said meanwhile as he inspected them, "looks like we could go for a fill up."
"Meow," Tsubaki and Azusa meowed in agreement.
Louis gave them both a pat on the head, "coming right up."
"Juli, do you want anything?" Yuki asked.
"Mmm, I could go for a peanut," Juli said.
"Where are they kept?" Yuki asked as she looked around some of the cupboards.
"Hmm?" Juli said confused.
'Okay, that time it really did feel like she was talking to me! Just like Chi, Louis and Natsume!'
"Oh here we go," Yuki said as she pulled out a jar of peanuts, "honey flavor okay?"
"Yeah, honey flavor works," Juli said slowly.
"Here you go," Yuki said offering him one.
"Thank you," Juli said, as he started to nibble on it.
"Want me to fill the water dishes too?" Yuki then asked Louis.
"Please, that'd be great," Louis said, opening a cat food tin.
Yuki did such and then went and sat on the couch.
Juli went and jumped on the table in front of her.
"Well I hope you didn't have too much fun this weekend when you had the place all to yourself," Yuki joked.
"Nah, actually it was rather boring," Juli muttered.
"Oh bummer, we should have visited more often," Yuki said.
"Okay! You Are Hearing Me Aren't You!" Juli shouted.
Yuki shrugged her shoulders, and replied, "yeah."
Juli's mouth dropped. "WHAAAAAAAAT?!"
"Oh did Juli find out?" Louis asked as he finished feeding the cats and taking care of the tins.
"I, She, You," Juli sputtered, "another one!"
"Amazing isn't it?" Louis asked, joining Yuki on the couch.
"How, when?" Juli tried asking.
"I guess I sort of developed a way as a kid," Yuki explained. "I always walked through a local park to and from school. Sometimes I'd even eat my meals there. And well, I would meet and feed the squirrels, and actually made friends with a few to point I could understand them, like you."
"Oh, wow," Juli said. He remembered how shocked he had been when he realized Louis could understand him. But also how nice to have somebody to actually talk to besides Ema.
Same when Natsume started to understand him.
"Well," Juli continued, "it'll be nice to have a new person to actually talk to."
"Thanks," Yuki said, "I hope this is the beginning of a nice friendship." She stretched out her hand.
"Me too," Juli agreed shaking it.
"Is that Louis' car?" Natsume asked as he pulled into their building's parking garage.
"Oh, I think it is," Ema said, "I guess he forgot we were coming home today."
"Or he thought he'd just come to double check on Juli and the cats," Natsume said.
'Or just wanted an excuse to be here when get home and act annoying,' he thought.
Ema and him quickly unloaded the car and headed in.
When they walked into their apartment, they found Juli talking to Louis and a new woman they had never seen before. What even seemed weirder was that the woman was able to understand what Juli was saying.
"We're home," Ema called out.
"Ah, Chi, Natsume welcome home," Louis said.
"Hi, surprised to see you here," Natsume said.
"Just doing one last check in on the cats," Louis explained "and thought maybe we'd stick around to introduce you to Yuki, my girlfriend."
"Hi," Yuki said with a casual wave.
"Hello," Ema said waving back.
"Nice to meet you," Natsume said as he moved the bags over to the closest, "Louis tells us you are a hairdresser yourself with your own salon."
"Yeah, we do regular hair cuts and styles but we also specialize in doing fancy styles and colors," Yuki said.
"Like yours?" Ema asked.
"Yeah, actually did this one myself," Yuki said shifting her eyes upwards before looking back at Ema, "I can just imagine what I could do with your hair! It's as pretty as Louis said!"
"I'm sorry my dear, but as I've also made clear, Chi's hair is mine and mine alone," Louis said smiling at Ema with a wink.
"I know, but a girl can dream," Yuki said.
"Well it's good to know you two don't let your rivalry affect your relationship," Natsume said.
"We prefer the term friendly competitors," Louis said.
"We've sent clients to each others salons before if we felt it would be better for them," Yuki mentioned.
"Good for you," Natsume said.
"We should probably go and give them some time to unwind after their trip," Louis suggested.
"Sure," Yuki agreed as the two stood up, "did you at least have fun?"
"Oh yes," Ema said, trying hard not to blush.
"It was a good short vacation all around," Natsume said as calmly as he could.
"Maybe we should give it a try sometime," Yuki asked.
"Maybe," Louis agreed, "do you mind if we borrow the brochure, Natsume?"
"No, go ahead," Natsume insisted.
Juli jumped over to the side table and held it up.
"Here you go," he said.
"Thank you Juli, it was nice meeting you too," Yuki said as she took it.
"Um, this may be an odd question, but do you understand Juli too?" Ema asked cautiously.
"Yes, I can," Yuki said like it was nothing.
"Huh?" Ema and Natsume said together.
"Surprising isn't it?" Juli said.
"A little yeah," Ema said. But she still smiled, "I'm glad Juli has another person to talk to."
Yuki smiled back, "you really are as great as Louis made you out to be."
"Ah, thank you," Ema said.
"We should have dinner sometime," Yuki suggested.
"Sure," Natsume assured her, "take care both of you and thank you for taking care of the cats and Juli."
"Any time," Louis said as he and Yuki bowed and left.
"That's amazing that Louis would find a girl that can understand you, Juli," Ema said.
"Yeah it is," Natsume said, "and she didn't have to marry him to do it. I still don't get how that worked for me."
"Me neither," Juli said. He paused, "so, you did have a good time?"
Ema blushed and looked away, "well...," she started to say.
Juli could see Natsume rubbing his neck.
"Nevermind, I'll take your word for it!" he insisted.
"If it means anything, we took your advice," Natsume mentioned.
"Well gald, I could be of help," Juli said smug.
Ema and Natsume smiled at each other from their spots across the room, still feeling the joy and excitement from their trip.
"Hi Juli," Ema called out as she came into the apartment.
"Home kind of early, aren't you Chi?" Juli as Ema came in.
"Had to end one of our sessions early and cancel the other ones schedule," Ema explained, "it's that nasty bug going around. A lot of people on my staff and the different magazine staff are out with it."
"Oh yeah, I've heard about it," Juli said, "all those upset stomachs and vomiting. I think Natsume said a few people in his company were catching it too."
"Not too many I hope," Ema said, "I've heard a few at the main house got it too."
"And you? How are you feeling?" Juli asked.
"Well," Ema said, holding her stomach, "I am feeling a little queasy."
"Hmm," Juli said examining her, "why don't you go lay down for a little bit."
"Okay," Ema said as she did such.
Juli watched her with concern before going to her purse. He dug around her purse until he found her phone.
Immediately he sent a text to Natsume;
This is Juli, Chi's not feeling well. You should come home and check on her.
Natsume was busy working when he heard his phone go off with Ema ringtone. He pulled it out and looked at it, seeing it was a text.
He quickly read and got concerned with what it said.
Not feeling well how? Did she throw up?
He text back as he still got his things together.
Soon a new text appeared.
No not yet, but she says she has an upset stomach and she had to come early due to many of her staff coming down with the bug going around
'Oh no that bug!' Natsume thought, knowing how many on his staff were out because of it.
I'll be home as soon as I can, I'll try stopping off at the store first to get some things for her
He then hurried out of his office.
Juli ran over to Ema resting on the couch.
"Hang in there Chi, you'll get through this," he comforted her.
"I hope so," Ema said softly, "I've been feeling miserable for a while. I was just passing it off as something I ate."
"You've been feeling upset for a while?" Juli asked, a little shocked. "You weren't keeping it to yourself to avoid burdening Natsume and me, were you!"
"Well," Ema sputtered.
"Oh geeze Chi! We've told you not to do that!" Juli scolded.
"I'm sorry, I really thought it would pass on its own," Ema insisted weakly.
Juli sighed, "well, hopefully it'll pass soon."
"I hope so, I don't want to infect Natsume," Ema said.
"Well he's been doing okay so far, you've been like this for how long? A week?" Juli asked.
"Actually, it's been about a month or two," Ema admitted.
"Months?" Juli said. This got him a little extra concern. "You've been feeling sick for a month or two, even before the bug started going around?"
"I guess," Ema said.
"Chi, are you sure this isn't something else, is it?" Juli asked.
"What do you mean?" Ema asked.
Juli twitched his eyes back and forth. "Well, it's been a while since that little getaway you and Natsu took...,"
Ema sat up, "You don't think!" She seemed to think about it.
"Is there anything else that might indicate?" Juli asked.
"Um, well, I guess I am late," Ema said, "but I've been late before!"
"Yeah but how late?" Juli asked.
"Oh Juli, I couldn't be," Ema insisted, "not right away after the trip. It just doesn't work that way!"
"You shouldn't try dening something like this Chi!" Juli warned.
"I'm not, I just want to have more proof other than a few things that could be explained," Ema insisted.
Juli looked at her seriously. "You should still look into this, sooner rather than later!"
"Okay, but not just yet," Ema pleaded as she laid down.
Juli watched her as she fell asleep.
'I don't know how I'll feel if she or isn't,' he thought.
A while later Juli heard the door opene and Natsume quickly walking in.
Natsume looked forward and easily saw Ema resting on the couch.
He quietly set about putting away the groceries he had gotten and then began preparing a soup for Ema to consume.
"How she been?" he asked Juli as Juli joined him the kitchen.
"She's resting comfortably, " Juli said.
"Did she throw up yet?" Natsume asked.
"Not yet," Juli said, "but...,"
"It's okay, I understand," Natsume assured him, "we'll see how she's doing tomorrow about going back to work."
"I don't know," Ema said as she suddenly sat up and hurried to the bathroom.
"Oh dear," Juli said.
Natsume sighed. "I hate seeing her suffer."
Juli studied him, wondering if maybe he was suspicious of what Ema's condition might really be. He decided to not say anything yet, less he say something that'll make everyone upset.
A while later, Ema came out of the bathroom wiping her face.
"Sorry," she said softly.
"Don't worry," Natsume assured her, sitting at his desk working, "there's some soup on the counter for you."
"Oh thank you," Ema said as she took the bowl and went to sit back down on the couch.
Natsume looked over at her, "you don't look too bad."
"Luckily it's usually only a 24 hour bug," Ema said as she took small sips from her soup.
"Yeah, that's what Masa was saying about everyone who got it at the big house," Natsume said.
"I hope I don't give it to you know!" Ema said.
"Don't worry, I'll live," Natsume insisted, "right now, let's just worry about you getting better."
Ema nodded and continued with her soup.
Juli watched her.
'Assuming it is the bug you're sick with,' he thought.
"How are you feeling today Chi?" Juli asked a Sunday morning.
"Juli, I'm fine," Ema insisted, "it's been over a week. A lot of the bug has died down."
"Hmm," Juli muttered.
Right then, Natsume came out of the bathroom.
"Feeling alright today?" he asked as he dried off and headed to the closet.
"Yes, for the most part," Ema said.
"Most part?" Natsume asked.
"Mmm, stomach still gets upset every now and then," Ema explained.
"We may need to reevaluate our diets," Natsume said.
Juli looked at him.
'Does he really not notice?' he thought.
Juli was starting to wonder that if Natsume didn't seem to notice, maybe Ema was right about her condition.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
"Were you expecting something?" Ema asked Natsume.
"No, you?" Natsume said as he headed to the door.
"Not that know of," Ema insisted.
"Hmm," Natsume said, "who is it?"
"Special delivery!" a familiar voice called back.
"Hikaru?" Ema said in surprise.
Natsume moaned. "What's he doing here on our day off?"
He still went and answered the door for his brother.
"Hello," Hikaru said cheerfully, holding a big box, that also had a white envelope on top of it.
"Hello Hikaru, welcome," Ema greeted him.
She noticed Hikaru raise an eyebrow as he looked at her.
"Won't you come in?" she asked.
"Oh, thank you," Hikaru said as he did such. "Don't worry, I won't be too long. Just dropping by to play errand/delivery boy for Mother."
"For what?" Natsume asked.
Hikaru put the box down on the couch and held up the envelope.
"Read and find out," he said with a smirk.
Ema took it and opened it.
"Oh it's an invitation," she said as she held it out for Natsume to read too.
You Are Cordially Invited To Attend The First Gathering of the Seiso and Asahina Families As They Prepare For The Joyous Union of the Seiso's Youngest Daughter Mie and The Asahina's Ninth Son Subaru at The Silver Dragon
We Hope To See You There;
Your Hosts
Ayako Daisuke Seiso
Miwa and Rintaro Asahina
"So this is basically an invite to an engagement party?" Natsume asked.
"Engagement party, chance for the two families to formally meet," Hikaru said, "I think both Mother and Mrs. Seiso are quite impressed and intimidated by each other. Both being high women of business and all. Oh and speaking of Mother."
He took the top off the box and pulled out what was inside, a beautiful long black dress.
"She was hoping her beloved daughter would wear this to the party."
"Oh my, it's beautiful!" Ema said happily, "I'll go try it on right now!" She dashed to the bathroom.
"It's amazing that Mom still loves dressing Ema up," Natsume said as he and Hikaru stood alone.
"Well Ema is the closest thing she has to a daughter. Even if she does adore her daughter-in-laws, it's just not the same. Although she did send them, Kadia and even Haruhi a dress as well."
"Haruhi? Tsubaki's girlfriend?" Natsume asked.
"Mm," Hikaru nodded, "she's actually living at Sunrise at the moment."
"Really?" Natsume asked, "I didn't hear that. But am glad she and Tsubaki are still close. I know she gets along well with the rest of the family."
"I wouldn't be surprised if after Subaru and Mie are married, we'll getting ready for their wedding," Hikaru said smug.
"I wouldn't be surprised either," Natsume said, "do you think Mom approves?"
"Oh yes," Hikaru replied, "You know Mother likes to keep an open mind on our choice of women, or other."
Natsume nodded.
"I think that's actually another reason Mother's holding this party, she wants an excuse to meet some of the other girlfriends she has yet to meet."
"That's Mom," Natsume concur.
Just then Ema walked out in the dress. She looked a little uncomfortable.
"How does it feel?" Natsume asked.
"It's actually a little tight, mostly around the middle," Ema admitted.
"Really?" Hikaru said stroking his chin. "Interesting, considering we used the same measurements as before. Well no matter, I can have altered well before the party."
"Thank you Hikaru, sorry about this," Ema said as she headed to the bathroom again.
"You do look amazing in it though," Hikaru called out.
"Yeah," Natsume agreed.
"So, the dress a little snug huh?" Hikaru asked once he and Natsume were alone again, "a little odd don't you think?"
"Well, I was just saying maybe we should adjust our diets a little, especially since she's been having stomach problems, even after getting that bug going around," Natsume admitted.
"Hmm," Hikaru said, "and nothing else happening? Nothing else you should be looking into?"
Natsume looked at the bathroom door in thought.
"I'm sure if there was anything else, Ema would tell me," he said.
"I see," Hikaru said, "of course she has a habit of keeping things to herself even now, things she doesn't want to see escalate or get people upset with."
"True," Natsume agreed.
"Well, in either case, I'm sure a little weight gain right now isn't the worse thing that could happen," Hikaru said.
"Yeah," Natsume said softly as Ema came back out with the dress neatly folded.
"Sorry Hikaru," she said as she handed him back the dress.
"Nothing to apologize for," Hikaru said, "I'll make sure you'll get the dress back and properly fit by the night of the party. See you both later! Bye now."
"Bye Hikaru," Ema said.
"Bye," Natsume said as they watched their brother leave.
"Sorry, I guess I do need to change my diet a little," Ema said embarrassed.
Natsume put his arm around her.
"We could both probably stand to look into eating healthier," he said in assurance.
Ema nodded before noticing Natsume looking towards her middle.
"You'd tell me if you thought something else was going on, right?" He asked.
"Yes, of course," Ema assured him.
"Do you think something else is going on?" Natsume asked directly.
Ema bit her lip, "it's starting to get a little more obvious," she admitted.
"Do you think...," Natsume started to ask as he put his hand on her belly.
"It could be a bigger possibility now," Ema admitted.
Natsume looked at her, "let's try not getting ahead of ourselves just yet. We'll keep tabs on it until say after the engagement party. If it's still going on, we'll look into it more."
"Okay," Ema agreed. She still squeezed her husband's hand who squeezed back. Both hoping that this could be it.
"Wow," Ema said the night of the party as she and Natsume pulled up in front of the hotel it was taking place at. It looked like a palace almost.
"It seems that the Seisos don't mess around too much," Natsume said said as a valet came and helped with the car.
He and Ema held hands and walked slowly in, up the front stairs that had a red carpet draped down them.
"It feels like we're attending a movie premier or something," Ema said as they entered.
"Mie's parents must really want to celebrate their daughter's marriage," Natsume said as they walked down the glittery hallway towards the ballroom they were supposed to go to.
Inside they found it already filled with many of their brothers, their wives or girlfriends, the two children, as well their parents.
Everyone else were people they didn't recognize.
In the center of the room, they could see their mother talking with an equally powerful looking woman.
Rintaro was standing a little ways behind Miwa smiling. and sipping a drink while a man caught in his own conversation on his cell phone was standing behind the other woman.
"I'm guessing that's Mie's mother," Ema whispered.
"Yes, and the man standing behind her on the phone is most likely her father," Natsume whispered back, "I've heard the man is always in contact with their partners or buisness associates."
"They certainly seem like the type of people who could run such a vast hotel chain business," Ema said as they ventured inward.
"How are you feeling by the way?" Natsume whispered as they walked around.
"Okay for the most part," Ema assured him. Natsume nodded.
"Can I get you anything?" he started to ask.
"Well, I...," Ema started to say only to feel a surprise arm around her.
"Hey babe, you're looking fine!" a drunken man asked, holding a champagne bottle, "you want to hang out?"
"Uh no," Ema pleaded.
"Get your arm off my wife please!" Natsume snapped mad.
"Dude," the man said in a slur speech, "I'd be, I'd be nicer to me if I was you! My family owns this place! They own it and everyone has to do, has to do as I say! Not the other way around!"
"Ichiro!" Mie suddenly cried out.
Ema and Natsume saw her and Subaru walking over to them, Mie clearly embarrassed.
"Ichiro! Knock this off! This is Subaru's brother and sister!"
"Sister?" Ichiro said looking at Ema confused.
"Well geeze little sis, I was just making her, hick, feel welcome! We are going to be family after all!"
"Ichiro!" Mie pleaded.
Natsume looked like he was about to punch the man.
Subaru grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt and pulled him away.
"Hey! Hick! Hey! Don't be messing with your future brother-in-law like that Subaru! Did anyone ever tell you you're named after a car?"
"Can someone please help him!" Mie called out as she burried her face in her hands in embarrassment.
Two server immediately came and escorted Ichiro away.
"Hey, let's go get this party really started!" Ichiro said as he was led away.
"I'm so sorry Ema!" Mie cried still hiding her face in her hands. Subaru hugged her tight.
"There there," he said attempting to comfort her. He looked at his siblings apologetic as well.
"You'll have to excuse Mie's older brother," he explained, "he's a hard core pary boy and seemingly a permanent drunk. He's always getting waisted and causing a scene, especially at parties."
"Ah, as is the usual life a rich boy with little to no boundaries," Natsume said.
"Well, I see you went and kicked your brother out," Mrs. Seiso said as she came up to her daughter. Mr. Seiso was right behind her, still talking on his phone.
"Sorry mother," Mie said.
"No, no, I told you'd have every right to. This is supposed to be your party after all," Mrs. Seiso said, "I apologize to you, Natsume and Ema."
"You know our names?" Ema asked a little surprised.
"Oh yes, I made sure to memorize all your names. I wanted to be sure I met all of Subaru's family at least once before the wedding," Mrs. Seiso said. "You all seem so well adjusted and responsible than my three oldest. Mie's the only one who's gone on to do anything proper with her life. And that's all before she found herself a decent man to marry."
"It's nice you think so highly of our family Madame," Natsume said with a bow.
"Yes, I have no doubt you'll be good to Mie," Mrs. Seiso said as she walked off. Her husband followed, still on his phone.
"I am sorry you had to endure my brother like that," Mie said. "It's like Subaru said, he's nothing more than a party boy who wants a good time no matter what cost."
"Maybe your family should consider cutting him off," Natsume suggested.
"They did try that actually once, didn't work out well," Mie admitted.
"He still ran around causing trouble and leaving destruction," Subaru continued, "they only took him back so as to not make others suffer."
"Oh," Ema said surprised.
"Well anyway, let's just forget about that for now and enjoy your party," Natsume quickly said.
"Yes please, enjoy yourselves," Mie quickly said trying to recover, "we have many good entrees and refreshments. Please help yourself."
"Oh thank you," Ema said heading to a table. "I was just thinking how delicious some of these look! Did you pick these yourselves?"
"Most of it, yes," Mie said, "mother wanted to add a few things herself."
"Hey, Natsume whispered to Subaru, "how bad are her sisters exactly?"
"Kari and Karu? Not as bad as her brother," Subaru said, "they just refuse to act their age. They keep trying to be seen as Japan's version Paris Hilton."
"Seriously?" Natsume asked.
"Yeah," Subaru said as he looked across the room, "which is why they're flirting with Kaname and Hikaru."
Natsume followed his gaze and saw two middle age women dressed as though they were in their 20's, clearly making the moves on their older brothers.
"Huh," he said.
"Yeah, unless they get jealous of Ema, I doubt you'll have any troubles with them," Subaru said.
"I'll keep a sharp eye on Ema," Natsume swore as he hurried to join her.
"So do you have a date?" Ema asked as she filled a plate with a few items.
"No, we have to make sure we can set a date that won't interfere with Subaru's basketball season," Mie explained. "And mother has to make sure we have it at a time that won't be real busy for her and father."
"That would make sense given she's paying for most of it," Natsume said as he came up behind Ema, and Subaru came up behind Mie.
"Yeah," Subaru agreed.
"I have done girls before, you know," they all heard someone way.
All four turned around and saw Hikaru walking around with one of Mie's sisters. Nearby Kaname was walking around with an identical woman.
"Yea, I have seen that most famous picture," Hikaru said.
"Oh Karu," Mie moaned.
"Don't worry, they'll have their hands full with our brothers," Natsume said.
"Sensei! Sensei!" everyone heard someone shouting. Ema gently pushed past Natsume and saw a young woman running at her excited, with Futo behind her.
"Oh Sensei, it's so good to see you again!"
"Keitorin?" Ema said as she the woman gave her hug. She smiled as she hugged her back.
"It's been so long, and you're still calling me Sensei? We're not even in school any more."
"Oh you'll always be my sensei," Keitorin insisted, "you taught me so much and helped me in so many ways. I owe most of my success to you."
"Including recommending her to me," Futo said as he wrapped his arms around her.
"It's, nice you two got so close," Ema sputtered.
"Yeah," Keitorin said sheepishly, "it's been an interesting relationship."
"But one of the best you've ever had," Futo bragged.
"Well yeah," Keitorin said like it was nothing.
"It's nice to meet you two in person," Mie said, "welcome."
"Yes, congratulations," Futo said, "I sincerely hope you two are as happy as my brothers have been with their wives."
He winked at Ema as he spoke.
"Thank you," Mie said.
"No, thank you for all the help in getting me some of the best hotel suites at your different hotels I've had to stay in," Futo said.
"Well, no offense but it also served as some good promotion of the hotels," Mie said, "that's why mother was so easily to go along with it."
"Oh glad to be of help," Futo bragged, "I'm more than willing to be a spokesman for your company."
"This isn't a business meeting, it's an engagement party. Try not to hog the spotlight," Natsume scolded.
"I can try, but I can't help if the spotlight falls to me," Futo said as he led Keitorin off.
"See you later Sensei!" Keitorin said, waving back.
"Yes!" Ema agreed.
"Mie, Mie, dear," Mrs. Seiso called out.
"Better go see what she wants," Subaru said as he led Mei away as well.
Ema smiled at Natsume, "so this is going well so far."
"Yeah, I guess," Natsume said as he started to fill a plate for himself.
"Oh and it looks like Yusuke just showed up," Ema mentioned.
Natsume turned around and saw his younger brother walking in, accompanied by another new young woman they had both not seen before.
"Oh we finally get to meet Yusuke's girlfriend!" Ema said excited. She quickly headed over to do such.
Natsume started to finish filling his plate before going after her.
"Yusuke!" Ema said as she came up to her brother.
"Oh hey," Yusuke said.
"Is this her? Is this your girlfriend?' Ema asked excited.
"Oh yes, this is Emiko," Yusuke said, "this is Ema."
"Hello," Emiko said timidly, rubbing her arm. "It's nice to meet you. I'm not use to actually attending a party as fancy as this, unless my charge is expected to make an appearance."
"Well I'm sure you'll enjoy it," Ema said.
"Uh thank you," Emiko said.
"How about I get you something to drink," Yusuke suggested.
"Oh thank you, yes," Emiko said. Yusuke quickly headed to the table filled with drinks.
Ema suddenly felt Emiko's hand on her arm.
"I'm sorry to ask this, but can I stay close to you until I at least feel a little less nervous?" the girl asked nervous, "Yusuke's always saying how kind and easy you are to get along with. I'd feel a little better if I had someone likr you near me."
"Of course," Ema assured. She led Emiko over to a corner where Natsume was standing.
"Natsume, this is Emiko, Yusuke's girlfriend," she introduced.
"Hello, nice to meet you," Natsume said, "it's nice you could make it."
"Yeah, apparently your mother was most insistent that Yusuke bring me," Emiko said.
"Mmmhmm," Natsume said.
'Mother, you scammer,' he thought.
"I hope it wasn't too difficult getting the night off from your duties," he said.
"Well, I was lucky in that Mr. and Mrs. Hiragana were staying in tonight," Emiko said, "so it wasn't too hard to get time off for the evening."
"That's wonderful!" Ema said, "I've been awfully anxious to meet you. Yusuke seems really happy with you."
"Really?" Emiko said excited, "I've been really happy with him too."
"Have you been able to spend much time with each other?' Natsume asked.
"Yes as much as we can with our different job schedules," Emiko said, "of course, The Hiraganas are still greatful to Yusuke for finding Kei that he's welcome ovet all the time."
"Really?" Ema asked, "well I'm just glad you two are so happy together."
"Thank you," Emiko said. Ema could feel her letting go of her arm. She did look a little calmer.
"Here, Yusuke said as he brought over a couple of drinks. He handed one to Natsume and Ema, "figured you two could use one too."
"Thank you," Natsume said, "Emiko was telling us how much her employers still appreciate you for finding their daughter."
"Yeah, lucky for us," Yusuke said, "though I'm starting to get the feeling Mr. Hiragana is getting a little worn out with my visits."
"He just doesn't want me to get distracted from my duties," Emiko defended.
"Well that does make sense, given you are responsible for his daughter's wellbeing," Natsume said.
"Yeah but he doesn't have a be suck a prick about it," Yusuke muttered.
"Oh I'm sure Mr. Hiragana isn't that bad," Ema said calmly, "after all, he employed Emiko."
"Oh no, your brother is quite right, Mr. Hiragana is a prick," Mr. Seiso said as he suddenly walked past, actually pausing long enough to not talk on his cell phone.
"Never cared for the man, never would do buisness with the likes on him." He was soon distracted by the person on his phone.
"Oh no not you, I was speaking about Hiragana, yeah the prick with the mustache."
"Well that clears a few things up," Natsume said.
"Yoo-hoo, Yusuke!" they heard Miwa calling. The four turn and saw her motioning Yusuke to her.
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"
"Oh great," Yusuke muttered. He looked at Emiko.
"You ready?"
"Yeah, I guess," Emiko said.
"You'll be fine, Mother's a very kind person, so's Papa!" Ema encouraged.
"Yeah, you'll be fine," Natsume also said.
Emiko nodded as she walked off with Yusuke.
"She reminds me a little of you, you know," Natsume said, "shy timid, worry no one will like her."
"You think?" Ema asked as borough her glass to her lips, only to turn her nose away.
"Something wrong?" Natsume asked.
"This is an alcoholic drink, I don't normally like those," Ema said.
"Ah, Yusuke might not have realized," Natsume said, "here, I'll go see if there's any non-alcoholic ones."
"Thank you," Ema said as he walked off.
"Everything alright?"
"Oh hello Yuki," Ema said, "Natsume was just getting me a new drink. I don't normally care for alcoholic beverages."
"Ah," Yuki said taking a sip from her own drink, "has that always been the case or just...,"
"Just?" Ema asked.
"You know," Yuki insisted, "since...,"
"Since when? What?" Ema asked..
"Oh," Yuki said looking embarrassed, "I'm sorry, you're probably not saying out loud yet huh?"
"Saying out loud about what?" Ema asked.
Yuki leaned over and whispered, "sorry I figured it out on my own, but I'll keep quite don't worry."
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about," Ema said.
"It's okay, you can trust me," Yuki said, "So you're pregnant. I swear I won't tell anyone till you."
"What?!" Ema said, "you think I'm pregnant!"
"Well yeah," Yuki said.
Ema looked stunned.
"Oh, are you finally willing to admit it?" Hikaru asked suddenly joing the two.
"Hikaru?" Ema said, "You, you mean you know?"
"It was pretty obvious since I came by to drop off your dress." Hikaru said, "I just have an eye for that sort of thing. You know that. It'll be so cute to see a baby with your face and Natsume's eyes."
"But, I," Ema sputtered.
"Everything okay?" Louis asked as he joined everyone.
"I think I may have spilled the beans on your sister's condition," Yuki admitted with guilt.
"Oh, you didn't want anyone to know you're pregnant yet Chi?" Louis asked.
"Louis?!" Ema said.
"Sorry Chi, we'll keep quite, you can count on it," Louis assured her.
"But, I, I wasn't even sure yet! At least not 100%!" Ema admitted.
"Sure of what?" What's going on?" Natsume asked as he rejoined his wife.
Ema looked at him with concern.
"Natsume! I think it is true! I might really be pregnant!" Ema said.
"You mean, for real?" Natsume asked, starting looking to look concerned too.
"Ye, yes," Ema said looking at her other two brothers and Yuki.
"They know?" Natsume asked, "why am I not surprised?"
"Oh dear, could it be that it was such a blatant observation to everyone except the parents to be?" Hikaru asked smug.