Hi hi. I'm back again. I did promise after all that the wedding would be in this chapter, along with other things.
Well I won't dilly dally anymore. On with the chapter.
Disclaimer – I do not own Brothers Conflict, it belongs to it's respective owner(s).
Chapter 7
Today was finally the day, the day of my dad and Miwa's wedding. I've been waiting for this for the past few months like I would a new episode of one of my favorite anime. I was that excited.
I walked over to my window, pulling back the curtains to look outside. I smiled at what I saw. "Such a beautiful day for a wedding. No rain clouds in sight." Who'd want to have a wedding on a rainy day? Not this girl. No, today was going to be amazing, since, we were all going to become one big happy family.
Ding! Dong! I heard the door bell to my room go off and quickly walked over to open it. Outside of the door was Louis who waved at me with a small smile on his face.
"Good morning Chi, big day."
I chuckled. "It most definitely is." I stopped my chuckling when I realized something. Hold the phone, he just called me Chi, again. How does he know about that nickname? Only Juli does.
Louis tilted his head at my confused expression. "Is something wrong?"
"Hehe no," I said as I shook my head, "Nothing at all. I'm pretty drowsy right now so my body is still trying to catch up with me. So, is there anything you need?"
"I'm actually here to help you out. Let me do your hair."
I blinked. "Eh?" I stiffened as Louis moved a hand to the ends of my hair, lightly touching it and letting it go as he smiled down at me.
"So like you'll be wearing a dress today huh? I was thinking we could use colors that compliment you, cool? That is of course if you don't mind?" He said his piece, more like a statement than a question. He truly intended on doing my hair today.
With a smile I nodded my head. "Eh, why not. I was hoping for someone to help me today since I know I won't be able to fix my hair alone."
Louis chuckled. "Yeah, and I actually didn't come here alone."
"Huh?" What did he mean by tha-
"Risa-chan!" Out of nowhere I felt a small body tumble into me giving me no warning at all. I fell to the floor with a thud closing my eyes as I felt the unknown person squeeze me. "I'm so happy to see you today!"
Oh, I recognize that voice. "Misaki?" There laying on top of me was my pink haired cat-eyed best friend smiling gleefully down at me. She and I slowly got up from the floor, the former grabbing hold of my hand and dragging me to my bed to sit down. "What the heck are you doing here?"
Misaki giggled tilting her head to the side. "Why am I not here silly. Your dad called and asked me to come over and help you prepare for the wedding. I was happy to oblige."
"Okay, next question, how did you manage to avoid everyone, other than Louis here?" I gave a small nod to the droopy eyed male standing next to my desk.
"Oh that, well I rung the doorbell, some blonde guy came to the door asking who I was, I told him my name obviously and said that I was your friend from school. He said that you wouldn't be available today since your dad is getting married. I replied saying that I was invited to the wedding and he begrudgingly let me in." Misaki had a cheeky grin as she spoke.
I chuckled nervously giving my friends a side glance. "Uh, okay." I bet Ukyo was a little irritated after that encounter. Misaki leaves quite the impression on people, that is when she wants to. "Well, I guess we should start getting ready then. I wouldn't want any of us to be late."
Misaki jumped up from the bed starling Juli with a loud shout. "Yosh! Let's get to it Risa-chan!"
...Oh god. I whimpered as she grabbed me hand dragging me off to the bathroom with Louis in tow. I scowled as I heard a small chuckle coming from said male.
Well, he's most certainly enjoying this.
After the hassle of having to get ready, that being getting changed into my nice looking white linen dress and shoes that Miss Miwa had gotten me, along with my hair being curled, and my makeup of which Misaki had forced me to put on. All in all I looked pretty nice.
Since my new brothers had left earlier than I did I was kind of left to go with Misaki and her family. Her brothers had been a mess during the drive to the place where the wedding was being held. Misaki's mother had put them in their place for being too noisy. I got a kick out of their scared expressions when they saw her face. The whole car ride to our destination had been a hoot, and it made the time go by faster.
"Well, we're here," Misaki's dad told us as he parked the vehicle.
Misaki's eyes sparkled as she stared up at the tall building. "Wooooow! I didn't expect for your dad to get married in a place like this. I thought he was going to go all shinto* for this one?"
I smiled as I shook my head. "Nah, he said that took a little more effort to do than a Western style wedding. And he said that Miss Miwa wanted to do it this way so he was very grateful for that."
Misaki's mother chuckled behind her hand as she exited out of the car. "I would be too dear. Kami knows that weddings in general are expensive. Right dear," she asked her husband trying to get his two cents.
"Right you are hun." I smiled at his reply. The man just wanted to get out of the conversation quickly.
The two boys that I was sitting in between were arguing back and forth again as they vacated the vehicle, while I was left to sit musing over how I was to go about acting when I got inside this place. My nerves were a little frazzled today and I hadn't known how to go about dealing with them. I know my dad was getting married today, and I was to become part of a big family with a new mother and a whole set of brothers. It was pretty hectic if you ask me. I should be happy but then again I'm...conflicted over how I should feel in regards to me getting a bigger family. Aside from my father and Misaki I've always pretty much been a loner for most of my life. I didn't really have anyone else to turn to when I felt troubled about something. I guess...I've always felt this way. I shouldn't but I do.
I was pulled out of my thoughts when Misaki came barreling back into the car pulling on my arm. "Come one Risa-chan! You're new bros are already inside waiting for you."
"...Okay." I gave her a small smile as I let myself get pulled out into the open air. Misaki dragged me by my hand wrist this time looking back at me every few seconds to say something. I was half listening though as I watched the many people I didn't really know walk into the building. Some I did know since I've seen them with my father on occasion. They were his fellow architects after all.
"Looks like things are getting a bit crowded," Misaki's dad muttered to their small group. He was looking back and forth at all of the people in what looked like annoyance. His wife gave him a reassuring pat on his back and a kiss on the cheek.
"Don't worry dear, we'll just need to hurry and get good seats before the ceremony starts," the woman looked back at me with a warm smile, "For now I think it would be best if Arisa-chan goes and finds her family. You are one of the main factors of this wedding."
I blinked. "Uh, yeah. I'll get going now."
Misaki frowned at me as she had finally let go of my wrist. "Awww, I thought you were going to get to sit with us...oh well. We'll see you at the reception Risa-chan!" She, along with her two younger brothers waved back at me with vigor. I chuckled at their hyper like behavior giving them a small wave back before heading to where my father was.
When I opened the door to where I knew my father and Miss Miwa would be I was slightly frightened by what their reaction will be. I know it's been months since I've seen my dad, but dang this feels weird. I took a breath as I pushed the door open and held it when I saw dad and Miss Miwa turning to look.
Dad smiled as he gave me a once over. "You look lovely darling."
Miwas giggled as she walked over towards me. "Oh don't you mean gorgeous! I have to say Rintarou you were completely right about her. She is such a lovely young girl." I blushed at her compliment. "And so pretty when she blushes! Kami am I happy to finally have a daughter. Having sons was fun but having a girl was something I always wanted."
"U-Uh, thank you." Wow this woman was chocked full of surprises. Next thing I know she'll be saying I'm model worthy, which I'm not. I'm too short for that type of work. "Um, congrats on your big day dad, Miss Miwa."
"Oh dear none of that, call me mom," the woman fluttered her eye lids over her light blue eyes as she stared at me grabbing my hand with both of hers, "If we're going to be a family I want you to call me mom."
Ugh, I really don't think I can do that. Wasn't like I was going to say what I was thinking out loud though. "U-Um..."
"Come now dear she'll say it when she's ready." Thank Kami for dad!
"Oh alright, but I know over time I'm sure I'll get to know you," Miss Miwa smiled at me brightly, " We'll talk soon, okay sweetheart?"
Sweetheart? I could feel my lips quirk up as my cheeks tinged red with embarrassment and happiness. "Yeah, I'd like that."
Dad chuckled. "You should head on out to where the others our. I'm sure they'll be looking for you."
"Alright. I'll see you guys in a few." I waved goodbye to them as I walked back out through the door with a wide grin on my face.
"Huh, guess that went a lot better than I thought."
"Chi," I heard a small voice squeak out from behind me as I stepped out into the middle of the hallway. I turned around and saw Juli scurrying towards me with his little bow whipping back and forth from his run.
I shook my head at him as I bent down a tad with my hands out. Juli took the initiative and jumped into the palms of my hand then climbed up my arm until he stopped on my shoulder. "Took you long enough you fur ball. Where exactly were you?"
Juli opened his mouth as if he were about to say something but then he closed it. One of my brows rose in confusion at him but I shrugged when he began to complain about the boys, which was right after I made a comment about Miss Miwa.
"She should keep better tabs on her sons that she's not all been raising. They're absolute mongrels," Juli complained with a scowl on his face.
I sweat dropped at his words. Oh Juli.
I had been exploring for awhile since the ceremony had yet to start, when I stumbled across the very place when it was supposed to be held. My curiosity was piqued and I was sorta eager to see how the mini chapel had been set up. I looked to Juli who didn't seem to mind my mischievous behavior so well. He was used to it after all. With a smirk on my face I slowly pushed the double doors open taking in the darkened room with his high up ceilings and decorated glass windows. That wasn't what really caught my attention though. There at the alter stood a man, with short orange hair...or was that strawberry blonde, eh whatever. Anyway, he was standing there with his eyes closed like he was contemplating something, he was also wearing a suit which begs the question of whether or not he was a guest of the wedding. I took a few steps into the room not knowing that my movements would make noise. The doors clattered behind my catching the attention of the man who was a few feet in front of me.
"Hmm." Orange head turned his attention away from what was in front of his to look back at me. He looked curious and somewhat confused as he made his way over towards me. Oh kami he's making his way over to me!
"A-Agh," I hissed under my breath as I took a few steps back.
"Can I help you," he asked me as he stopped just about a foot from me now. He gave me a scrutinizing gaze as he looked me over.
"Um, I-"
"This room is reserved. Only family members are allowed," he said with a stern look in his eyes.
What the?! "Hey, I'm allowed to be in here thank you very much," I replied back with a scowl on my face. Juli backed me up with a 'yeah'.
The man blinked in confusion not really getting what I was saying. He opened his mouth up to speak again when the double doors were suddenly opened again. I turned my head to look and gasped in shock at who I saw.
"Yoohoo," that powdered headed flirt A.K.A Tsubaki greeted as he gave a two ginger salute to us. He gave me an appreciative look. "Well well, you're looking extra gorgeous today~!"
Azusa nodded his head. "Yes, rather fetching indeed."
Kaname gave me a flirty. "You look so radiant, you make stealing the spotlight obsolete."
Fuuto smirked at me giving a tilt to his head. " You get results when you make the effort babe." Another wink and from this little fool, great. And oh kami he called me 'babe'. Why?!
Ukyo stared at me with that blush on his face again giving me a small smile. "Yes, quite a vision of loveliness." Please, stop!
Hikaru smiled...huh, okay so he doesn't freak me out right now. "That's Louis for you, expertly done." Said male smiled bashfully at the compliment.
"Thanks. You look so cute Chi," Louis said as he gave me a nod of approval. Okay, I can accept his compliment.
"Yeah," Subaru stuttered out with an obvious blush on his face...no comment.
"Yo, what's up," Yuusuke raised a hand in greeting looking just as flustered as Subaru...again, no comment.
My adora...uh, I mean Wataru smiled at me giving me a thumbs up as he said, "Sis you look like a fairy tail princess!" Gosh, he's so cu- I mean, I accept his compliment too.
Masaomi ruffled Wataru's hair as he smiled up at me. "The little man's right." Aw, I can't reject his compliment either...drat!
Iori, bless him, did nothing flirtatious as he replied last. "Agreed, in fact I'd say we're all rather partial to your new look." There was a small glint his eyes as he said this...I take back what I said before.
"Hey," the man behind me called out grabbing everyone's attention.
I saw a smirk slowly ebb it's way on Tsubaki's face. "Oh look, seems like Natsume made it after all."
Huh? Natsume? Is that this guys name?
Natsume frowned at Tsubaki in irritation. "You jerks did this on purpose didn't you?"
Azusa shrugged. "Guilty as charged."
"Wow," I muttered feeling slightly dumb that I fell for their little trick too.
"Great, first impressions ruined. Thank you so much." Wow, is that sarcasm and salt that I hear in Natsume's voice? Geez, I guess he took it a little too personally.
I was confused though. Who on earth was this guy? "Um, can someone please explain to me what is going on? Who is he?" I pointed back at Natsume.
Tsubaki sauntered, yes sauntered, over to Natsume with a wide grin on his face. He threw his arms over the other males shoulder as he looked at me. "This is Natsume, me and Azusa's little brother."
"Eh?" Now I'm even more confused.
"Technically we're triplets," Azusa explained.
"Did you say triplets," I asked making sure I heard him correctly.
"Yep," Tsubaki said as he popped the 'p'. "Azzy and I here are identical twins, Natsume is our fraternal brother from a different less cool egg."
Wow...I did not see that coming. How in the world was that even possible? Having identical twins but then having a fraternal kid right after them...Miss Miwa must have took something before their birth.
"Nice," I whispered out in both shock and awe.
"Well, that's thirteen. Now you've met everyone," Masaomi suddenly announced.
Wataru raised his arms up in excitement as he cheered. "Yay! The Asahina brothers are together again!"
….I will not glomp him! I will not glomp him! I will not glomp this adorable cinnamon roll!
Bringing myself back into reality I spoke."Geez," I couldn't help but say as I looked at each and everyone one of the brothers. It was one thing to be dragged into a new family but it was another to be dragged into a family with 13 new siblings who are in fact all male...Kami, if you can hear me, please give me the strength to not faint right now. I'm close to my limit of how long I can be near so many people at once.
It's way too overwhelming to be real.
Once the ceremony was over I had left to go and find Misaki and her family. They were pretty much bunched up together in one pew near the back. Misaki voiced her complaints on how hard it was to hear from where they were seated. I couldn't do much but apologize for the inconvenience. As always I was forgiven.
Now outside of the chapel Misaki and I were seated on a bench with Juli in between us. Her parents and brothers had gone to speak with my dad and Miss Miwa leaving the two of us to ourselves.
"Ah~ that ceremony was simply breathtaking, is what I would say if I was able to hear what they were saying," Misaki huffed.
I shook my head at her attitude thinking nothing of it as I tapped her knee with mine. "Get over it Misa-chan. You know you were only in it for the food."
"No...yeah you're right, but that has nothing to do with what I'm talking about."
Juli gave the girl a disappointed look. "It has everything to do with what you're talking about," he squeaked. It wasn't like Misaki was going to know what he said anyway.
"I think what really got me was the reaction your new brothers gave when they saw me," Misaki giggled. "It's like they've never seen a girl clinging to a girl before."
I rolled my eyes. "Nah, it's because they've never seen someone like you before."
Misaki pouted. "Nu uh, I'm plenty normal. They shouldn't have been so shocked."
"With your level of insanity I highly doubt they paid any attention to you clinging to me. The way you ran into me was anything but normal."
"... I regret nothing," was all she said as she continued to pout. I sighed.
"Misa-cha-" I paused as I looked and saw Natsume walking by. He had stopped when his eye caught mine. I stood up ignoring Misaki's curious stares. "Uh, I'd like to apologize for earlier. I had no you were the last Asahina brother."
Natsume shook his head. "No, I should be the one apologizing to you. In fact, here," he held out his hand with a card in his grasp, "It's my business card."
"Oh?" I took the card out of his hands and saw that his name and number were on it.
"It's my personal number. Just give me a call if you need anything, like if Tsubaki is being a total pain."
Oh don't I know it.
"Well, uh, thanks a lot." I looked down at the card once more. My eyes widened as I gasped down at the other words typed on the tiny business card. "No way."
Natsume titlted his head looking at me with a little concern. "You okay?"
"Oh, yeah I am, it's just-"
"Hmm?"
"This is a company that makes the series of games I like to play."
Natsume blinked at me in surprise at my sudden burst. "Wait does that mean you're a gamer?"
"Heck yeah I am! I've played almost every game that your company has come out with. Zombie Quarantine* is one of my favorites." If it wasn't obvious before it was now. I was practically gushing with excitement at the prospect of finding out that one of my new brothers works for a gaming company that I love so much. Heck, they even produce some of the anime I like.
"Well, uh yeah," Natsume sounded kind of awkward and a little shocked at my sudden fangirling.
"Right, it's absolutely fantastic! I've beaten all the levels...oh crap, I'm doing it again."
"Yerp," Misaki said giving me a sly grin from the bench. I sent her a scathing scowl filled with what I hoped was a threat to her. She only began to smile more at me. Ugh, I'll get her back!
"Heh, the most recent game is definitely the toughest one," Natsume smiled. "If you beat that you've got some skills."
I shrugged. "I guess, but it took me forever to get through it. I even had to call up Misaki here to help out."
Misaki waved a hand back and forth with a wide grin. "Yep! She pretty much needed me as a crutch to get her through it."
"Misaki, shut up," I hissed at her. She stuck her tongue out at me. "Oh very mature," I muttered.
"Well, her help aside, I always enjoy getting good feed back from out customers, so thanks for that," Natsume looked a little reassured by what he said. Huh, guess our feedback was that good. "So, would you two be interested in play testing?"
My eyes widened as grin spread across my face. "Really?" Natsume nodded his head. "Oh my gosh, of course I would-" Misaki coughed. "Uh, I mean of course we would!"
"Sure no problem." Alright! I knew being a geek would pay off. I just never expected for one of my brothers to be part of the video game community. It's like a dream come true.
"...Look."
I looked up at Natsume as he stared down at me with a whole new expression, one I couldn't really place. "This might sound like an odd question, but how is Subaru been doing lately?"
"Eh?" Why is he asking me about Subaru? "I'm not really sure. Can't really say since I only just met him recently." There's more to say since a lot has happened with him over the course of time that I've lived with the brothers...
Natsume sighed as he moved one of his hands to rub at the back of his neck. "I heard he's no doing well, got dropped as a starter. Having trouble focusing on his game, stuff like that."
...Oh kami, why? I think I know the reason why he feels like that, and it's not a good reason. The chance encounters I've had with Subaru haven't really been, good, and if I had to put it in another term it would be that we've had too many close calls together. The time I walked in on him in the shower, the things he said about me to the others on the night of his birthday, and even the accidental kiss. All of those times must have set him off, made him lose his focus.
"You've been around him more than I have. I was just hoping you might've noticed something."
...Yeah, I think if I paid more attention to his behavior that I would notice something, now that Natsume has pointed out to me that something was wrong.
"What is it?"
I didn't answer, I was a litte fearful for what would come out of my mouth if I did.
Ring! Ring! Natsume sighed moving a hand to his pocket to take out his phone. He looked at the caller I.D and frowned. "Agh, this is work, I gotta take it. Sorry to bother you with brother questions." He gave me an apologetic smile before walking off to take his work call. I stood in place staring at his back as he left feeling slightly off now.
"Why...why did he have to bring him up," I whispered looking down at my feet.
"Risa-chan," Misaki called giving me a look of worry, Juli doing the same.
"...I'm fine, just feeling a little tired is all. I'll be fine." I gave them both a reassuring smile.
Misaki looked skeptical, not really believing me but she shook her head, standing up from her seat. "Okay~! Let's go eat! I'm starving!" She grabbed Juli with one hand and my wrist in her other then pulled me away.
"Gah! Misaki stop that! You're going to break my wrist," I screeched at her trying my hardest to pull away from her vice like grip. Dang her fingers are like metal clamps!
"No can do Risa-chan, I'm hungry and you have a party to enjoy. That's two things for the price of one!" Ugh, her logic is so off. "Hey, Arisa...are you sure you're okay?"
"...I'm sure. There's no need to worry about me Misaki."
Misaki was turned away from me but I could tell she had this look of worry on her face, and she only calls me 'Arisa' if she truly feels like she wasn't getting the whole truth of something.
"Okay, but if I find out you're lying-"
I gave her my best smile. "I'm not. You have my word Misa-chan."
"Okay, well good, cause I don't want to have to glomp you to death. That's the worst punishment for lying to me you know." Misaki puffed out her cheeks in annoyance as she dragged me behind her.
I would have been annoyed right back at her, but I felt strangle satisfied that she would be so irritated by me for lying. Only a true friend would act that way if they cared.
And I'm glad that friends if Misaki.
Praise be to the most high! I'm finally done, and I managed to get through the dang wedding. I'm not doing the reception cause I just really don't feel like it. I've been worked to the bone without any opportunity to get through this chapter. And now that I am, I'm just going to do what I feel is necessary.
I hope you all enjoyed this installment cause I have no clue when the next one will be. Rest assured that I won't be abandoning this story or any of the others, I've just been so busy adulting that I haven't really found the time, besides tonight at 10:51 p.m, to update a chapter. I'm be sure to find some time to write the next one.
The words that had asterisks next to them were for you all to find out for yourselves. I would be nice and let you all have it, buuuuut I won't I want someone to to figure it out for themselves.
Anywho, I look forward to reviews, comments, and feedback. No slighting please. I don't wish for any negativity to be on my page. It might be a plus since I'll be getting reviews but it pains me to even see such heinous comments and insults in the reviews section. I'll only say nice things back honey so be prepared for love ^_^.
R&R and I'll see you all next time.
~Anime hotty lover. 18