I'm one week late for Masaomi's birthday, but I still wanted to write him a birthday fic since I've known BroCon since 2017 and this is my first time celebrating his birthday T.T I hope you enjoy and please leave a review and let me know if you like it! :)
Homeward Bound
Brothers Conflict: Masaomi x Ema
The sun was starting to set, casting an orange glow across the sky and into the pavement as Ema walked her way home. Even though it was Sunday, she had to go to the university library to research on her thesis. College life was no joke, and she had to work thrice as hard, if not more, compared to when she had been in high school. It's relieving to note though that she only had one lecture spanning two hours tomorrow at noon so she could sleep in for a bit and have some downtime in the afternoon. But for now, she anticipated coming back to the apartment complex after a long day.
A content smile graced her lips as familiar warmth softly awashed her system at the thought of home. Over the years she had lived with the Asahina brothers — technically her own family for the same time duration — she had always treasured the bonds formed and the life she got to live with them. It was always a comfort to come back to a house bustling with activity and noises, as well as radiating so much warmth and security. No matter how her days went, at the end of each one, Ema loved the feeling of having a loving and stable place to come home to.
Once she arrived at Sunrise Residence, she immediately rode the elevators straight to the fifth floor, glad to be back and wanting to announce it first before she settled in. Hearing voices in the direction of the living area, she took the stairs towards it and saw both the oldest and youngest brothers. She smiled and called out, "I'm home!"
Masaomi and Wataru turned their heads, smiles on their faces as they welcomed her. "Onee-chan! Welcome back!"
"Welcome home, Ema." Masaomi said with a soft smile as he straightened from where he was crouched down beside Wataru, checking the contents of the younger one's backpack. She noted that both were slightly dressed up for home.
She placed her own shoulder bag on the sofa as she approached the two. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Yup! I'm going to my friend's house tonight! Since we're leaving for the school trip tomorrow and his mom said I could ride with them to our class's meeting place, we decided to have a sleepover at his place since it's nearer and we're leaving at dawn!" The child told her with much enthusiasm.
"Oh. Well that's great, Wataru-chan. I know how much you look forward to this trip. Make a lot of fond memories, okay? And if you can, take some photos so we can all look at them when you get back."
Wataru beamed and nodded his head. "I wish onee-chan and Ma-kun could come though," the boy's expression turned a little solemn. "It would be more fun with you two there! We could all visit the beautiful places together."
The eldest gently put a hand on Wataru's shoulder, gently consoling him. "Now, now, Wataru. We can always go to vacation as family. And not just us and Ema, but all of our other brothers would be there as well. Besides, this is your chance to have fun and go into adventures with your own friends. It would be a new and beautiful experience. That's something precious that you should also cherish, alright?"
"Okaaay~" Wataru pouted a little, but then he seemed to understand Masaomi's words because his expression turned light and happy again. Masaomi ruffled his brother's head fondly, while Ema watched the scene with a serene smile.
"Well then, I'm going to drive Wataru to his friend's place," Masaomi said, turning to Ema. "I'll be back in a while." He paused for a little before facing the young boy. "Hey, Wataru. Can you wait for me at the lobby? I just have a few things to tell Ema."
"Okay, Ma-kun!" Wataru went to hug her. "Bye-bye, onee-chan!" Then he was running excitedly for the stairs while waving to her.
"Have fun and be safe, Wataru-chan!" She said, waving back with a cheerful smile. His shouted affirmation carried to the living room as he disappeared from the hallway and out of her and Masaomi's sight.
"I can't believe he's grown up so fast," Ema mused with a small, nostalgic smile. "To think he was only a young boy when I first moved here three years ago."
She heard the man chuckle beside her. "Believe it or not, it's kind of unbelievable for me too. Even with a bunch of younger brothers I've had to help raise and watch grow, seeing Wataru become much less of a child day by day... Somehow the first time I first held him in the hospital room with mom feels like a faraway dream."
Ema turned to look at her adoptive older brother. There's an equal softness and deep care in his expression, the sight of which wasn't new to Ema at all since she had lived with him for three years and Masaomi had never not looked this way when it came to his brothers. But it was nevertheless an endearing thing to witness, one she hoped she'd be privilged to see for the rest of her life.
Her thoughts became jumbled when Masaomi directed his gaze at her, and she fought not to blush. "It's probably because I've been looking after Wataru the longest and most recently, with him being the youngest of the family. Well, it's either that or I'm just getting too old," he ended the statement with a chuckle.
Ema's smile turned knowing. "Only by a year though." And then she faced him properly before blurting out happily, "Happy Birthday, Masaomi-san."
Masaomi gave her a tender smile. "Thank you, Ema. I'm really glad. Although you already called me earlier, it's still nice to hear it with you in front of me like this."
"Of course," Ema said, pleased that she was able to tell him directly. "By the way, what was it you wanted to tell me?"
"Oh, that. I was wondering, since tonight would be just the two of us, maybe you'd want to catch a break from cooking. Let's eat outside for a change."
"Eh? No one else is coming home today? Why?" She asked, thoroughly surprised.
"Conflicting schedules. Everyone is busy, and sometimes things come up with work that are out of their control. The only ones expected to be home tonight apart from you and me are Louis and Wataru. To some extent, Hikaru, but you know how that one likes to act on his whims. Wataru's plans changed only this afternoon. Louis is currently in his room. He only dropped by to personally tell me that he's discussing things with a client about a wedding over dinner, and to wish me a happy birthday, but he's going out soon."
Ema felt her happy mood beginning to deflate. She'd been so excited earlier to arrive home, especially since it's Masaomi's birthday and despite her own busy schedule, she wanted to prepare a nice dinner for him and the family. But apparently none could make it today.
Most likely sensing her sadness, which was probably written all over her face anyway, Masaomi gently put a hand on her shoulder. "No need to feel depressed over this, Ema. It's rare, but not impossible with almost everyone having such demanding careers."
"But it's your birthday, Masaomi-san..." Ema trailed off, not knowing how best to put her thoughts into words, not wanting to seem like she felt sorry for him. He himself didn't seem bothered by their family's absence.
"There'll be other opportunities to celebrate. And besides, you're here to spend the rest of the day with me, aren't you? One person doing that already means a lot to me. I'm already grateful."
Ema searched his eyes, but he seemed sincere in saying that he was happy even with just her to celebrate with him. She mustered up a big smile, feeling a bit more at ease. "Okay."
He nodded to her. "Good. Well then, I'm going to bring Wataru over to his friend's house first. Afterwards, I'm thinking of taking you to this French restaurant across the city. You can get ready while waiting for me to fetch you."
"Oh, alright," she agreed, slightly taken aback and wondering if that's the reason why he's dressed up.
After he'd gone out, Ema proceeded to her room on the fourth floor, becoming thoughtful as silence reigned in the big apartment complex. It was a really inconvenient time for most of the residents to be stuck in their own personal matters. Ema loved her home, so much so that sometimes, she could forget that it could get pretty lonely when she's brought to the reality that some of the brothers had to leave home at some point to make life somewhere.
It had been hard the first time she'd had to experience this kind of separation from everyone, especially since Ema had some fear about being left alone and succumbing to loneliness, which had been developed from her childhood but begun to ease slightly after living with the brothers. But at the time, it was Masaomi who had helped her make sense of why things had to happen the way the did. Being someone to look out for the well-being of his family, naturally he had noticed her predicament and as the oldest, took it upon himself to reassure her that everything was going to be alright and that she would always have a family and home to return to.
She'd trusted him and so she had learned to accept things as they were and over time it had gotten better. There's still the occasional and lingering sadness but it was tolerable especially since she still had a lot of the brothers living with her in the house. Even with most of them having jobs that demanded so much of their time and required them elsewhere, there were always at least three or four brothers to eat or watch television or play games with. So it was a rather real shock and disappointment to Ema to learn that all of them were absent today, on the day of of one of their brothers' birthday no less.
She had been so excited for the birthday dinner too. She could only hope her dampened mood wouldn't be noticed by Masaomi, although given how attentive he was, it was possible he already knew. Still, at the very least, she wanted them both to enjoy their small celebration, especially Masaomi since he truly deserved to be happy.
Stepping out into the hallway, she was surprised to see Louis standing in front of her door. Her stylish older brother turned at hearing her approach and gave her a small smile.
"Chii-chan."
"Hi, Loui-san! Masaomi-san told me you were here. Are you going out to meet with your client soon?"
"That's right. Before that.. will you let me.. do your hair?" At Ema's confused and surprised look, Louis elaborated. "You are going.. on a date.. with Masaomi-niisan.. right? He said.. he plans to take you.. to a fancy restaurant."
Ema's face felt really hot. "E-Eh, no, no, Louis-san! You're mistaken. I-I mean, yeah, he's taking us out to eat since it's just the two of us tonight, but it's hardly a d-date!" Then more quietly, she muttered, "At least it didn't seem like one when he invited me."
Louis tilted his head to the side as if he couldn't make sense of what she was talking about. "But.. it's Masaomi-niisan's birthday. Regardless.. it is going to be.. special. After all.. the one he's going to be with.. is Chii-chan."
"U-Uh..."
Unable to formulate a coherent response, Ema simply allowed Louis to work his magic on her. After all, despite how embrrassing it was for her to be put in a spotlight, he had a point. It's Masaomi's birthday and no matter how or with whom he decided to spend it, it was special because it's his day. And if she was fortunate enough to be there to share this grateful day with him, then she was sure to make it as memorable as she could for him.
They didn't have much time, but with Louis's efficency, he was able to maximize what little they had, and almost forty-five minutes later, Ema was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, looking simple but classy with her long, brown hair straightened out and let down to cascade down her back, her black short-sleeved dress with a square neckline and flowing right above her knees, and minimal makeup but with more smoky highlight on her eyes to bring out the brown flecks of her expressive eyes. For her lips, Louis opted for a pink lip gloss to compliment the light blush in her cheeks, telling Ema that it would benefit her much more than a thickly colored lipstick would, causing the young woman to throw a confused look at her brother and friend, but Louis only sent her a smile that roused even more suspicion from Ema, but trusting that she wouldn't get into trouble, decided to let it go, if only because her nervousness was racking up higher and higher, overpowering everything else that could possibly distract her.
She would have been fine if Louis hadn't mentioned that this could be a date. But even if he hadn't brought up the idea, Ema would have most likely start feeling that way too once it had sunk in that it would be only her and Masaomi having dinner on his special day, at a fancy restaurant no less. She wouldn't be able to help herself imagining the scenario as more than casual and platonic dinner out with family. She harbored too much feeling for the man not to.
Ema sighed, catching her reflection in the mirror and seeing her cheeks much pinker than the blush Louis had originally applied. Her eyes averted from her reflection to her fidgeting hands. She had been really trying not to, but it was hard not to catch feelings for the oldest brother. Despite what shortcomings Masaomi thought he had, to Ema, he was still the most dependable and caring person she had ever met. She wasn't sure if those were what drew her to him, but as far as she could remember, she had always admired this aspect of him, his gentle and quiet care, his boundless affection for and unwavering dedication to his family first and foremost. She often enjoyed their conversations, whether they were little exchanges or heart-to-heart where she would find herself confiding to him things she had never told anyone. She had found in him a deep sense of comfort and security — both physical and emotional — unlike anything she had ever experienced from anyone. Then, before she knew it, she had fallen in love with Masaomi.
She didn't know if she had any right to, being his sister and all even if they're not related by blood. Although the more pressing concern was, did he ever feel the same way for her? Was it alright to be hopeful, or was she waiting for hell to freeze over? The thought of Masaomi loving her... She shook her head. It was too much and too surreal to even fathom.
She was abruptly pulled out of her reverie by Louis's soft voice. "Chii-chan? Are you okay?"
"Huh? Y-Yes, I'm fine. Sorry, I spaced out back there," she said sheepishly.
"Chii-chan.. there's no need.. to be nervous. Just be yourself. Everything.. will work out. Have faith."
Ema threw Louis another curious glance at his cryptic message, but he only smiled at her. Was he on to something?
"Are you ready?"
Ema took a deep, calming breath, looking at herself one last time in the mirror, before nodding. "Yes, I'm ready."
-x-
Exactly one hour after Masaomi left, he arrived back at the mansion to fetch Ema. Louis, who had been waiting with her, hugged her goodbye and whispered 'Good luck' in her ear before letting go. He politely declined Ema's and, once again, Masaomi's offer to go with them to the restaurant, telling them both to enjoy the rest of the night with an uncharacteristic cheerful attitude - causing Masaomi to look at Ema in question and Ema only shrugging in equal confusion at her friend's odd behavior - before sending them off on their way.
On the car ride, Masaomi commented on Ema's hairstyle since it's the first time she had her wavy hair straightened out. Feeling a little self-conscious, Ema ran a hand on the silky strands draped on her shoulder. "Louis-san wanted to try something different. He said he was going for a mature look."
"I see. A change every now and then is good." He then gave her a brief side glance. "You look lovely, Ema."
A pretty blush adorned her cheeks, and she wondered how many times she would have to blush in his presence tonight. "T-Thank you."
Once they had arrived, Masaomi had opened Ema's door for her before gently guiding her inside the establishment. Looking around, she began to feel slightly nervous, but then felt a warm hand slide into her own and give it a gentle squeeze. Masaomi gave her a reassuring smile. His soft and gentle expression made her heart feel at ease, as she squeezed his own hand back and smiled up at him gratefully. They were led farther back where there weren't many occupants. Their table — where a waiter had removed the 'Reserved' sign — was next to a glass window overlooking the night sky and the restaurant's garden. There were different-colored twinkling lights illuminating the garden, showcasing its luscious flowers. At the center, there was also a fountain where the water seemingly changed colors depending on which light was currently switched on.
The restaurant was fancy alright, but the ambiance was still cozy and relaxed enough that Ema didn't have to feel wary wondering which kind of fork or knife she'd have to use to eat. It was classy without being suffocating. If anything, the nervousness she felt had more to do with the fact that she wasn't sure she was the right person for Masaomi to bring here. Everything seemed like it's intended for someone's romantic interest rather than just a younger sister.
She let Masaomi order their food. When she managed to convince herself to forget about the romantic vibe of the place, she was able to relax and really begin to enjoy herself more. They talked about a variety of things, his work with children at the hospital, her studies, their brothers, and basically catching up on each other. It's been a while since they had time to do this after all, due to their respective busy lives. Although she was still dismayed that the others couldn't join them, she couldn't deny that it was also nice to have some quality time with just Masaomi. He was an easy person to talk with, and whenever he gave her his attention like this, Ema knew for certain that anything she said was of interest to him. That she was important to him.
At the end of their dinner, Ema was reluctant to go home right away, but didn't have the courage to suggest that they go someplace else. But whether Masaomi sensed her reluctance, or he himself was unwilling to let the night end, she wasn't sure. But on the ride home, he surprised her when he stopped the car by the mouth of another road, turning to her and answering her unspoken question. "Do you mind if we take a walk for a bit?"
-x-
Nights looked so beautiful in spring. The sky has turned dark and there were hardly any clouds in sight, allowing the pinprick light of the stars to tame the darkness. The late night breeze was cool and felt incredibly pleasant as they brushed past Ema's skin and flitted through her brown locks. The best part, however, were the sakura trees lining up the sides of the single road she and Masaomi were walking on.
They shared a companionable silence as they each took in the lovely sights, not feeling the need to talk for a while but simply reveling in the quiet comfort of each other's company. When Ema glanced at him, Masaomi also had the same peaceful, content look that she was sure she also wore on her face. The thought made her smile more, the low sound of her chuckle earning the attention of the man beside her, who looked at her with an amused upturn of his lips.
"I'm happy we stopped by for a walk. Everything looks so calm and beautiful here."
"I'm glad you approve. It's such a beautiful night out, it would be a shame not to enjoy it to its fullest when it's practically free." His smile turned more tender. "Besides, I figured you'd like it, and judging from what I'm seeing, it appears I was right."
Ema felt touched at Masaomi thinking of her. He's really so thoughtful and considerate of other people.
"Although that's not the only reason I invited you for a walk." His tone still sounded even for the most part, although Ema thought she detected a slight hesitance in his words. "The truth is I still wanted to spend more time with you. Even though we see each other regularly at home." He smiled sheepishly. "But even those moments aren't very long, and we haven't gotten the chance to talk in earnest in a while. So since this is a rare opportunity, I wanted to take advantage of it and have you all to myself even for a little while." His gaze met hers, and she wasn't sure what to make of the emotion swirling just beyond the surface of his brown eyes. "Is that too selfish of me?"
Ema was stunned. For all she knew, she could be dreaming. It wasn't like Masaomi to say that kind of things to her. She'd heard this from the other brothers too many times than she was comfortable to admit. But Masaomi had always stood in the sidelines, never attempting to contest with his brothers in vying for her attention. Never showing her interest beyond what was considered brotherly. But was it possible that he...? Ema shook her head. It couldn't be. He was probably just lonely, since every one of his brothers were away on his birthday. It was understandable. Besides, what could he — an accomplished doctor and reliable head of the family — possibly see in a mere undergraduate student like her, who's most likely not even mature and woman enough for him?
Right, he was just missing his family.
"Not at all, Masaomi-san. I'm glad I could accompany you. You must be missing your brothers, right? Especially now," she assured him quickly, hoping she hadn't stuttered out her sentences due to her embarrassment from his sincere words and her dejection from making up her own conclusions.
She might have just imagined the slight faltering of his lips or the disappointment that flashed briefly across his eyes, because his smile broadened again shortly after. "Ah, you're right. I do miss them." Ema's shoulders slumped down a bit but Masaomi was already staring ahead. "As loud and chaotic that would be, it would've been great to see at least some of them. But I'm not troubled by them not being here, after all, it's not like I wouldn't see them just a couple of days from now, right?"
Ema blinked up at him in surprise. He briefly chuckled at her, before stopping in his tracks, Ema following suit. They were in the middle of the long road now, and since it was a side road and purely meant for people to walk through, there aren't any vehicles around or - since it's pretty late - other people for that matter. Beyond the rustling of the leaves in the trees and the gentle fall of pink flowers, there aren't anything to disturb the quiet and privacy of their surroundings.
"Do you remember what I told you in front of the tree in our yard a few years back? I know it can get pretty lonely when some of us leave the mansion, be it a one-week business trip out of town or moving out for an indefinite period of time. With fourteen of us supposedly living there at one point, it's definitely hard to miss when the noisy chatter becomes a steady silence as time goes by. It can't be helped though. While growing older is not a catalyst for growing apart, sooner or later all of us have to grow wings and find our own purpose in life outside of family. As much as even I don't like to admit it, the family you were born into isn't the final destination. It's only the starting point where one learns and is nurtured so they can be prepared for the real world."
"That's why instead of being lonely, I'm just content that everyone can see our family as a stepping stone towards whatever greater things they want to achieve in their respective lives. And when I see them with stable careers, or doing what they absolutely love, nothing can make me any happier and prouder."
Ema regarded him with awe, not really knowing what to say. "Masaomi-san..."
"It's also the reason why I let Wataru go with his friend tonight. He wants to be here for my birthday even though I can tell he's also excited about having a sleepover. He's in middle school now, so while a part of me is hugely relieved that he hasn't grown out of needing me yet, I also wish for him to become independent so it wouldn't be too hard on him when it's his time to leave the nest."
"Though all that being said, it doesn't necessarily mean that we turn our backs from our family permanently. It's the first thing we've ever known, the first place we've ever felt safe and comfortable. For us Asahina family, we're closely bonded with one another to withstand any conflict or separation. No matter what, I have faith that everyone sees and knows without doubt that this family is a place where they are safe and secure as they'll ever be, and that anytime they wish to, there's always a home they can go back to."
Masaomi's words gave Ema the same rush of warm feelings that she often had whenever she thought of home that it almost made her tear up. "What a nice feeling to have..." She gazed up at him with fondness. "I don't think anyone's ever going to stop needing you, Masaomi-san. Even though most of them have their own lives outside of family like you said, I'm certain that everyone still looks up to you as the most solid foundation that keeps this family intact, no matter how much years pass. Ukyo-san may be dependable as well, but I know even he is very grateful to have a big brother such as you."
Masaomi looked mildly surprised, then lips curling into a pleased smile, his expression and voice became tender when he spoke. "Thank you, Ema. I myself feel very lucky that I have an amazing family. Of course, that includes you." He patted the top of her head as she blushed, otherwise smiling at him happily. "Anyway, it's not like I've been entirely alone for most of the day. Wataru woke up early to try to cook breakfast for me. And afterwards, we've spent the whole day packing his stuff for the school trip. I also received lots of calls throughout the day, some of them even opted for video calls, so everyone was still able to greet me and be with me, one way or another. And I must have forgotten to tell you, the lunch we had with Hikaru and Louis the other day was supposed to be their early celebration for me, since they told me beforehand they can't make it today."
"Oh," she murmured in realization, a soft smile painting her lips as she said softly, "So that's how it was."
"Oh by the way, Ukyo informed me that since the trial is going smoother than he expected, he could come back earlier than planned, and when the twins heard about it, they announced then and there that they would also arrive early and that we should have a post-birthday celebration. If those two are coming, perhaps we could persuade Natsume to come along as well. The rest notwithstanding, it's been a real while for that guy too."
"Of course. That's really wonderful, Masaomi-san." Ema beamed at him, utterly glad to hear the news and relieved at the same time.
"Isn't it?" Masaomi beamed back at her.
Afterwards, Masaomi proposed they should head back since it was getting late. Ema didn't think to protest this time as they turned and walked back in the direction they came in. This time around, they were silent. Masaomi seemed content to observe the scenery one last time, but Ema was looking down at the pavement, her mind filled with the conversation she and Masaomi had just had, particularly what he'd said to her.
She never thought she could find this man even more amazing than she already did. His selflessness and devotion to his family was truly admirable and, in her honest opinion, second to none. It was also endearing to know how much he trusted this family. In spite of their differences, everyone trusted each other, but it's easy to see whom they all put their greatest faith in. But after all, Masaomi had helped raise this family, so they should know that none of them would intentionally let the others down.
Which was why Ema felt guilt creeping through her heart. She had felt sorry and a bit upset on Masaomi's behalf because his brothers were absent on his birthday, despite knowing that if they had their way, they wouldn't have been anywhere else other than their oldest brother's side on his most special day. They even expressed their acknowledgment of this day through whichever ways they could, even for those who lived thousands of miles across the continent. If they trusted each other enough to be confident and at ease with their feelings, shouldn't Ema also trust them more, seeing as how she's also part of the family?
Maybe she really was afraid of people leaving and her being left alone. After her mostly solitary childhood, living with the Asahina brothers had provided her with a sense of true home. Of course, she and Rintarou were a family, but the family she had formed with her adoptive brothers was so different in a way that it depicted more of what a typical family was like. Showed her what having a family felt like. With the brothers, there was a feeling of camaraderie and belongingness. Even the petty sibling squabbles and rivalry every now and then were something she found herself relishing in at times. And if the family could endure a conflict brought on by their mutual romantic affections for a single girl, then Ema — just like Masaomi — could afford to put her faith on her family a little more.
Her feet gradually stopped moving, and before her mind could catch up to her limb, she had already stretched out a hand to grasp at the sleeve of Masaomi's shirt. He turned to look at her as her entire face heated up. "U-Um, I uh, Masaomi-san— S-Sorry!" She squeaked out as she hastily let go of his shirt.
Masaomi fully turned his body so he could face her. "Ema? What's the matter?"
Not wanting to look like a foolish girl, Ema took a moment to gather her thoughts as well as some courage. "I just feel like I owe you an apology, Masaomi-san. I felt bad when I learned that none of the other brothers are staying to spend today with you, when you don't seem troubled by it and it should've been obvious to me that they must have contacted you at some point because how could they not? You're their big brother and therefore very important to them. It was wrong of me to prioritize my own emotions over yours, especially since it's supposed to be you who's being looked after today. But throughout the night you've been doing your best to cheer me up. I'm really sorry for being selfish and insensitive." She bowed her head in shame.
"Oh no, Ema, there's no need for you to apologize at all." Masaomi lifted up her chin so she could look him in the eyes. "Don't be hard on yourself, it's not a big deal," he told her gently. "Thank you for saying all that though, it makes me happy to know you're that much concerned about me. But you don't have to worry about me. As the oldest, it's my responsibility to look after you and everyone else no matter what or when. And it's fulfilling whenever I successfully manage it because I know I'm doing a good job, but more than anything, I just want to see the smiles on everyone's faces. Especially you, Ema."
Her eyes widened a fraction at the last sentence, which was sort of trailing off, making it seem like it was added absentmindedly or as an afterthought. As if he just realized what he'd just said, Masaomi looked taken aback, before pulling his hand back and looking to the side, avoiding her gaze. For a wild, heart-pounding second there, Ema had been quite sure Masaomi's eyes had slid down to her lips.
Still not looking at her, Masaomi continued. "I meant what I said earlier. I don't mind that it's just the two of us. I don't mind that it's just you. The fact that you are here with me and not somewhere else" — was and not with someone else how it's supposed to sound? — "makes me incredibly happy." Masaomi finally gazes back into her eyes and Ema fought to stand and not buckle on her knees at the rare intensity she could clearly see swimming in those normally calm brown eyes. "Thank you, Ema. Come on, we should head back soon." And just like that, he turned back around and started to walk away.
Ema didn't follow, couldn't move from her spot. Her mind was reeling, her heart racing inside her chest. Could it be that...? Ema didn't want to worry; she'd already spent much time worrying about him tonight when she should have just focused on making his day even more memorable for him. And if she was right about her assumptions about him — no, she had to be. There's nothing else for it. How did she know for certain?
It was that desperate yet hopeful look in Masaomi's eyes when he had gazed at her that mirrored exactly what Ema felt every time she looked at him.
-x-
"Masaomi-san!"
Masaomi only had a second to turn and acknowledge the call for his name before Ema had thrown her arms around him. Above her, she heard him utter a sound of shock, his body freezing against her. She was sure her entire body was flushed red from embarrassment at her boldness, but she didn't take this irrevocable huge step forward just to back down so easily. After all those years of indecisiveness and running away from everybody else's feelings, as well as knowing for a while whom her heart belonged to, she figured it's high time she made her heart a home."
"E-Ema... What is...?"
"Thank you, Masaomi-san." Her heart was threatening to burst out of her chest, but she resolved herself to say what's on her mind. "For giving me the gift of a wonderful home and family. I would've still been grateful, but I probably won't be nearly as happy or contented as I am now had I been adopted into a different home, or if you hadn't done what you've been doing all this time. Everyone does their best in their own roles, and you play such a big, crucial part that our family wouldn't be what it is today if not for you."
Masaomi's hands landed on her shoulders, the gesture as tentative as his voice. "Ema."
She continued. "You act as guardians for the younger ones. You support them in their endeavors while still making sure they're able to have time for relaxation. You take care of everyone when they're sick. You keep the family intact. You give them a wonderful privilege that no material thing in the world could offer or match — you are there for them. Taking care of your siblings until they don't need to be taken care of anymore, and even then you stay around in case that changes. Although like I said earlier, I don't think your brothers would ever stop needing you. They may become independent and want to live their own lives, even so, it's a nice feeling to be assured that there's "Masa-nii" they can always rely on. You've helped raise some of them too, and I think it's one of the reasons why they consider the mansion as their home. Because a part of you would always be with them, and that connection leads them back home where you are."
Masaomi's hands went from simply resting on her shoulders to gripping them firmly. Ema pulled back so she could look at his face, though still standing close enough. His face looked serious, but other than that his expression was unreadable and he remained quiet throughout her speech, but his gaze held the same intensity that she'd seen in them earlier, giving her the courage she needed to say her next words.
"A while ago, you referred to our family as a 'place'. I don't know if that was unintentional, but I can't help feeling that it means the same thing regardless. For three years, Sunrise Residence has been my home. I love living there, and I look forward to coming home there everyday. But what you said tonight struck me and made me realize something. Any building can be a home, but not every house is a home. It's just a structure. The people living in it are the ones who turn it into one. What I look forward to everyday is not going back to the mansion, it's seeing everyone's faces and spending the last hours of my day with them that make me happy. But more than anything," Ema gulped, her voice starting to shake a bit with emotions. "It's because you are there, Masaomi-san. When I think of home, I associate it with comfort and stability. Now I understand it has never been the mansion, it's you, Masaomi-san. You're the one I can count on to always be there, waiting for and welcoming me with warm, open arms. No matter what changes take place in our family's lives, you're the one constant that I can trust. Anywhere is home so long as you're there. Because you are home, and I'll keep coming back to you again and again—"
Masaomi had heard enough.
The hand that had been gripping her shoulders slid down to snake around her petite waist, as the other cupped the back of her head, tilting it further backwards as warm lips descended on hers, effectively stealing the words and air from her lungs. Ema's eyes widened for only a second before fluttering shut over her pink-tinged cheeks, a small whimper being swallowed by Masaomi when he opened his mouth to catch her bottom lip between his own. His teasing caresses were too much and soon Ema was parting her lips for him, serving as both permission and invitation for him to engage her in slow but deep kisses. His strong arms caged her in and pulled her flush against his body. Fingers carded through her hair, as a means to keep her head steady as well as angle her face so he could taste every inch of her mouth.
Ema's arms were pinned between their bodies, her fingers clutching desperately at the material of Masaomi's shirt. Her head was in a daze and she was lost in the sensation of Masaomi's hot mouth against hers. Who knew that the calm and gentle doctor who had soft spot for children was capable of such intensity? There was still the underlying tenderness in his actions, in the way Ema vaguely felt that he wasn't just trying to take from her but also conveying his own thoughts and feelings through their kiss. There was time to think more about that later, not that she could right now because her entire being was practically being consumed by the searing passion that Masaomi was burning through her.
It could have been minutes or hours later when they finally broke apart, though still close enough for their noses to touch. Ema was gasping for breath, and with her face flushed, eyes glazed over, and her hair in slight disarray, she truly was a sight for Masaomi, who was equally panting, although he appeared to be more composed compared to her. Her head felt like cotton, so did her legs, and she was pretty sure she would've buckled had it not been for Masaomi supporting her.
They spent several seconds to regain their bearings, before Ema stared into his eyes and asked quietly. "Did I talk too much?"
A shadow of a smile crossed Masaomi's lips. "Quite the contrary. I've been wanting an excuse to kiss you all night. No, forever," he corrected himself. Then quietly, with a hint of hesitance, he voiced out, "I really hope I haven't misunderstood your intentions, Ema."
"If you had misunderstood them, I wouldn't have kissed you back like that," Ema told him assuringly with a shy smile.
Masaomi chuckled softly. "That's a fair point." And then he embraced her, holding her fimly but delicately against him and burrowing his face in her fragrant hair, subtly inhaling her scent. "I love you, Ema. I'm so madly in love with you."
Ema wrapped her arms around his back, smiling against his chest. "I love you so much, Masaomi-san."
They stayed that way for several moments, locked in each other's arms, reveling in the almost unreal sensation that now they had something very special shared between them and that they had become a lot intimately closer than ever. Masaomi gently pulled back first, before offering his hand to Ema.
"Well then, shall we go home?"
Ema almost laughed giddily as she nodded and placed her hand on his, and Masaomi intertwined their fingers together. They shared an amused look, knowing that what he asked was pretty redundant. After all, she was home.
They both were.
A/N: I wrote this two sleepless nights in a row, so it might reflect my grogginess at some parts but I hope it's still enjoyable and sensible. I'm thinking of writing an omake with Hikaru and Louis because they were supposed to be part of this, I just didn't know how to include them without getting sidetracked from the main plot, since I'm pretty sure I already did that in this 7k monster fic lol.
I have some plot bunnies waiting to be written, one of which is a multichaptered fic I'm very excited to write. I also plan to write oneshots for some of the brothers with Ema. But for now I hope you like this Masaomi fic, he's currently my favorite so I wanted to give him some love. Thanks for reading!