DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
As the song came to an end, Ema and Louis came to a perfect stop and smiled brightly at one another.
"You dance divinely Chi," Louis praised before gently gracing Ema's cheeck with a kiss.
"Thank you Louis," Ema thanked, as she also gave him a huge hug.
They were simie interrupted by the sound of clapping as King Stephon approach applauded.
"Wonderful! Simply Wonderful! You two look amazing out there. I am so proud!" he also praised.
"Thank you Grandfather," both replied.
"Your drink, your highness," a servant suddenly said as he lowered his tray down for them.
"Oh, thank you," Stephon said as he accepted a glass. Ema and Louis took one as well.
"Mm, this is really good," Ema said as she took a sip.
The server nodded looking proud as he walked off and started to serve some of the cousins Ema had met that night.
"Ladies and gentlemen, with his majesty's, and grandfather's blessing, I'd like to perform one of my own songs for the next dance," Futo suddenly announced.
"So be it," King Stephon allowed, undeniably happy.
"Grandfather, would you like to share a dance now?" Ema asked eagerly.
"Your brother's not going to play one of his fast songs?" King Stephon asked.
"I'm not sure," Louis mentioned as he watched Wataru hurrying over to Princess June and bowing. King Stephon and Em both turned to look and saw Wataru taking Princess June by thr hand and leading her out for a dance as a soft melody started to begin.
"Oh I know this song," Ema said out loud.
"Yes it's one of Futo's best," said Louis.
"Well, sounds like a song I could handle," Stephon agreed as he offered Ema his hand.
Ema smiled with delight as she eagerly took it. Louis took it as a sign to head off.
He walked around until he found Sophie watching the dancers happily.
"My lady?" he asked as he came upon her, offering her his hand.
"My prince," Sophie replied as she accepted happily. The two walked out onto the dance floor and started to dance as well.
"I do hope Wataru doesn't get too jealous of us dancing to Futo's song," Louis said.
"No, I think he's fine dancing with Princess June. He seem to get a little jealous when he saw Yusuke dancing with her," Sophie mentioned.
"I saw it that. It was a little cute seeing Yusuke doing such a thing," Louis said.
He was happily enjoying himself, even before he noticed Yusuke leading Billy and Masaomi over to a corner of the room where he thought he saw Robert leaning against a wall, not looking alright.
'Hmm,' Louis thought. He decided to just ignore the whole thing and just enjoy his dance with Sophie.
"Well at least with Robert gone, everyone else can enjoy the ball in peace," Masaomi said as he, Yusuke and Billy headed back to the ballroom.
"Assuming he didn't leave something that'll cause a ruckus," Yusuke mentioned.
"Look at you, thinking like a gaurd," Billy praised, "we'll just have to make sure we keep our eyes open for anything peculiar."
"Well, I still hope he didn't get a chance to do anything before he left," Masaomi said as they all re-entered the ballroom. He looked around and noticed Erica standing off by herself, waiting for him.
"Excuse me gentlemen," he said as he hurried over.
"You going to join in the dance?" Billy asked.
"Well, I don't know," Yusuke said, noticing Ema was dancing with the king.
"Ami looks like she's free," Billy mentioned.
"Yeah and that would probably piss off Futo off," Yusuke agreed as he walked over and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Care to share a dance?" he offered.
"Oh, sure," Ami said, "though I don't know if Futo will like that."
"I know," Yusuke said smugly as he led out for a dance.
He tried looking Futo's way and could see a slight scowl on the pop idol as he sang.
"Thank you, Ladies and gentlemen," Futo quickly said as the song finished. He then stormed over to Yusuke and Ami and grabbed Ami's arm.
"I'll deal with you later!" he warned in a whispered to his brother as he pulled Ami away back towards the orchestra pit.
"And now ladies and gentlemen, with the king and grandfather's blessing, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my girlfriend and soon to be next big name in pop culture, Miss Ami! Who will also like to favor you with a song!"
"What do I sing?" Ami whispered.
"Anything you want," Futo whispered back.
"Even one of your songs?" Ami asked.
"Just don't mess it up. I still have a reputation to uphold," Futo assured her.
Ami thought about for a moment before looking over and whispered to the conductor. He nodded and started up the music with another song of Futo's and Ami began to sing.
"Wow, who knew Ami had such a fine voice," King Stephon said as Ami sang.
"I hope she manages to go far with her talents."
"Me too," Ema said.
"Princess Emma, may I have this next dance?" a boy asked suddenly coming up to her.
"Uh," Ema started to say.
"Princess Emma, May I have this dance?" another boy asked as he also he approached.
"No, Princess Emma, please dance with me!" another boy asked as he hurried up. Ema noticed a few other young men fast approaching. All of them trying to get closer to her, asking her to dance.
"Here now, boys, give him some space!" King Stephon started to order, "one at a time! One at a time!"
Suddenly the boys all started to get shoved aside until Yusuke had made his way to the front.
"Sorry boys! But the only one Princess Ema is dancing with as of now is me!" he declared as he offered Ema his hand.
Ema blushed and accepted, "thank you Yusuke," she said.
Yusuke smiled with pride as hr took Ema vack to the dance floor and began to dance with her.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time!" Yusuke whispered as they danced.
"Really? You wanted to dance that badly?" Ema asked.
"Not so much that but to hold you in my arms," Yusuke muttered a little embarrassed.
Ema could feel a jolt if joy go through her as she relaxed and actually put rest her head on his chest.
Yusuke almost felt like he would have a heart attack with the amount of shock and happiness he was feeling right at that moment.
"Oh my, looks like Ema's a little comfortable with Yusuke out there," Stephon said as he managed to sit down calmly back on his throne.
He was a little distracted by the sound of humming and noticed Markus dancing his way.
"So, how are you enjoying yourself, your majesty?" he asked sounding cocky.
"Rather nicely thank you," Stephon said, "one of the nicest I've had in a very long time."
"Yes, this has been quite an enjoyable evening," King Dimitri said as he too joined the two old men. "your granddaughter certainly seems to be enjoying herself."
"Yes, she and Yusuke certainly look happy out there together,' Markus agreed, looking Stephon's way. "were you going to have the "talk" with the boy?"
"Pherhaps I should consider it," Stephon seemed to agree, "though I don't wish to be hasty." He looked out towards a window.
"Something on your mind, Stephon?" Dimitri asked.
"Just recalling when I had the "talk" with the girl's fater all those years ago. It might have been nice to see it come true," Stephon said.
"Well, there's a good chance you'll see it happen with Ema now," Markus pointed out.
"Damn straight! I can't die until I do!" Stephon said seriously.
"Well, no pressure then," Dimitri joked.
Marku and even Stephon seemed to join him in his amusement. At least until Stephon noticed Richard and several other gaurds doing an apparent sweep of the room as subtly as they could.
'I hope this doesn't have anything to do with the strange way Robert was acting as he was leaving,' Stephon thought solemnly.
Ema seemed to lose all track of time as she continued to dance with Yusuke all through the night. She didn't want to leave his side. Not that he seemed to give her much choice. The two seemed to suddenly be in a world all their own. No one, not even their brothers could disturb them now.
By the time the last song ended, Ema didn't even seemed phased as she stopped and relaxed in Yusuke's arms. She stayed as she was for a little bit before preparing herself for the next one.
"Oh Ema dear," she suddenly heard her grandfather call out.
"Uh, yes, Grandfather?" Ema called back.
Stephon gestured for her to re-join him at the thrones.
"Sorry, I better see what he wants," Ema said softly.
"It's cool," Yusuke assured her as he escorted her back.
"My my, what a gentleman you are Lord Yusuke," King Dimitri said as Ema and Yusuke approached.
"I know you're having fun dear, but the ball is ending," King Stephon started to say, "and we'll have to start bidding farewell to the guests."
"Oh, yes of course," Ema said as she took her seat again.
"Do we need to call Louis over too?" Yusuke asked, looking towards him and Sophie.
"Pherhaps we should," Stephon said, "Louis, will you join us?"
"Yes Grandfather," Louis said as he and Sophie hurried over.
"It's time we started to bid farewell to the guests as they leave," Stephon explained.
"Ah yes, protocol and all," Louis said as he also took a seat.
The minute he seem to sit, the guests seemed to take it as a sign to approach and come big good-bye and expressions of how much they enjoyed the evening.
"These seem more tiresome than the greetings," Yusuke whispered.
"Yes, and you don't have the luxury of encouraging them to go enjoy themselves and let them go off so you can greet others," King Dimitri whispered back.
Yusuke looked embarrassed at the king behind him. King Dimitri merely smirked.
"Don't worry, I feel you," he assured Yusuke, "it was nice watching you and Princess Ema dance lad. I hope you two have a nice happy time together. My wife also agreed. And believe me, that's a high level of praise."
"Thank you," Yusuke said a little timid. He noticed Queen Abigail trying to wrangle up Princess June, but managing to send Yusuke an approving nod and wave.
"That was a fun dance!" June said once she and Wataru finished.
"Yeah!" Wataru agreed, "want to dance again?"
"June, dear, the ball's ending," Queen Abigail said as she came upon the two children, "time to go get ready for bed."
"On Grandma-ma no! It can't be over yet!" June whined.
"Well it is, now come along like a good girl," Queen Abigail insisted, "and I believe you too Young Lord Wataru."
"Oh, but I don't want to! We were having fun!" Wataru also whined as he backed away. June followed his lead.
"No Wataru, she's right, let's get you to bed," Miwa also insisted as she came up behind her son.
"Must we!" Wataru asked his mother.
"No, come on! We can find something else to do!" June insisted as she grabbed Wataru's hand and tried to run off with him.
Both their mother and grandmother sighed in frustration.
"Kids!" Queen Abigail muttered.
"Yes, I've had to do this with 13!" Miwa mentioned.
"Oh yes, and I assume without a nanny!" Queen Abigail said as they both tried to walk off to get Wataru and June.
The queen only paused long enough to wave and nod at Yusuke standing by Ema and King Stephon, along with her own husband.
"Come on, maybe we can sneak away and find a room where we can find our own after party or something!" June said as she and Wataru tried to get away.
Suddenly both got snatched up.
"No, I think you're going to bed!" Prince Oliver said as he and Masaomi both pulled their respectful relatives.
"Yes, that would be best," Masaomi agreed.
"Oh but Masa, please, we're not tired," Wataru kept trying to insist.
"You'll be plenty tired soon enough," Masaomi said kindly.
"Especially since you'll be leaving in the morning, June," Prince Oliver mentioned.
"Are you really?" Wataru asked.
"Yeah, my mom and dad said this wasn't supposed to be a long trip," June admitted.
"Just swap phone numbers then, or other contact information," Prince Zane said as he approached, "that way, you keep in contact with each other."
"Oh sure," Wataru said with a blush.
"We can do it tomorrow, right now bed, Masaomi said as he pulled Wataru over to their mother, while Prince Oliver carried June back to her grandmother.
"Say good night June," Queen Abigail ordered.
"Good night Wataru, I enjoyed the dancing," June said as she was led away.
"Me too, good night," Wataru called back as he waved good bye. Masaomi and Miwa both looked down at the boy who was looking a little loved sick as he waved.
"Are you in love, my dear Wataru?" Miwa teased.
"What? No!" Wataru exclaimed, "I'm in love with Big Sister and Lady Sophie! Even if they do seem to think that they're better off with Yusuke and Louis!"
Miwa and Masaomi both exchanged looks of amusement.
"Come on now," Miwa said as she led her son away.
Masaomi watched them walk away before he looked and saw Erica heading his way
"Hey, just came to say goodbye," She said with a big smile.
"Are you going to get home ok?" Masaomi asked.
"Oh of course, Hannah and I came together. She'll keep me awake and focused," Erica assured him. She looked over where she saw Hannah and Ukyo getting ready to say goodbye.
"Oh, I wouldn't mind seeing you stay the night, I'd feel safer,' Masaomi said a little blunt.
"Oh well, I wouldn't want to impose," Erica started to say.
"Hardly," Chrissy said as she suddenly walked past. She looked a little distracted as she examined a little bit of the wall they were standing near, "his majesty already arranged for all the lady guests of you and your brothers to be allowed to stay."
"Oh, well, how about a nightcap then?" Masaomi offered.
"Well, if you're offering," Erica said as she allowed Masaomi to lead her off.
"Did I hear Chrissy say everyone's allowed to stay?" Ukyo asked as he and Hannah joined Masaomi and Erica.
"She did," Masaomi concured.
"Wow, that's nice," said Hannah.
"We were going to go off and enjoy a little nightcap, you two want to come?" Erica offered.
"What do you say?" Ukyo asked Hannah.
"Sure, that sounds nice," Hannah agreed.
"I think I know a nice place we can go to hang out in peace," Masaomi said as he led the group away.
Hikaru, Heather and Kaname all watched them.
"Well, how do you like that? They didn't invite us to join them?" Hikaru said though he didn't sound surprised or annoyed by it.
"It's a crime isn't it?" Kaname added, not sounding like he cared either.
"Purely insulting," Heather joked, "so what should we do insisted?"
"Pherhaps go and have our own after party-party?" Hikaru suggested. His tone indicated he already had such a thing in mind.
"I like that idea!" Heather agreed, wrapping her arms around him.
"Kaname, would you like to join us?" Hikaru offered.
"If I can find my Lady Elizabeth, yes I will," Kaname agreed. He and the other three were looking around for her.
"Ah, I see her now, speaking with Revern Howard," Kaname mentioned nodding over to where Elizabeth was talking to the man.
"Ah, one sweet Ema's cousins?" Hikaru asked.
"Yes and a very interesting man. Pherhaps we can invite him to join us?" Kaname asked.
"I don't see why not," said Hikaru.
"Me either," Heather agreed.
"Oh Revern Howard, my sweet Lizzie," Kaname called out, as he walked over to the pair.
"Ah, hello Brother Kaname," Howard said as Kaname approached, "your lady friend here was just telling me how you were going to help her with an upcoming seminar, to represent Japan."
"Yes, she needed someone to speak of love and well, who better than a holy man?" Kaname asked as he pulled Elizabeth to him. Elizabeth looked embarrassed.
"If anything you'd think it'd be the opposite," she muttered blushing.
"Nonsense, religious figures know all about love," Howard insisted, "my wife always said I was great at expressing love."
"Yeah, no doubt," Elizabeth muttered.
"Anyway, both of you, come, join me and my brother Hikaru and Miss Heather Cook for a little after dinner party," Kaname insisted looking over at the pair. Both waved eagerly.
"Ah, the prime minister's daughter," Howard said, "certainly!"
"I don't know, I should probably get home," Elizabeth started to protest.
"Nonsense, I have it on good authority that grandfather arranged it for you ladies to stay the night is need be and now, it's a need be," Kaname insisted as he pulled her along.
"Oh, goody," Elizabeth muttered. Though she did stopped fighting against Kaname's arm and instead walked with them willingly.
Tsubaki, Azusa, Beatrice and Natasha all looked at the trio re-joining Hikaru and Heather and walking off.
"Well if they're going to go do something to unwind from the party, should we do the same?" Tsubaki suggested.
"Anyone have an idea?" Bea asked.
"Well, I was going to ask Azusa if he wanted to come watch some more anime with me," Natasha mentioned softly.
"Would you object if we did it together?" Azusa asked.
"Nah, if they're up to it," said Natasha.
"I'm for it," said Bea, "might be kind of cool to hear you work." She gave Tsubaki a small playful punch.
"You want to go get your collection, we'll get us a room," Tsubaki said.
"Good," Azusa said as he led Natasha off. Natasha however led him to a different area and pushed open a wall to reveal an elevator.
"What the?" Azusa said as he Natasha stepped in.
"It was installed by Queen Katherine so that the servants could go straight back to their quarters after a ball if they were super tired," Natasha explained.
"I see," Azusa said as he joined her and the two road down. Natasha could feel Azusa taking her hand. She looked up at him.
"I wouldn't have minded just watching anime alone with you," he mentioned, "but...,"
"Yeah," Natasha agreed, "something tells me I'm going to see a lot of your twin and Lady Bea once we've all go Japan."
"Yeah, no doubt," Azusa agreed.
"Oi, Natsume, we're going to go watch a bunch of anime together with Azusa and Natasha. You and Emily want to join us?" Tsubaki called over to Natsume and Emily.
"I'm thinking Emily should probably be getting ready to go home," Natsume called back.
"Nope, Grandfather said she can spend the night!"' Tsubaki called back with a smirk.
"It's true," Chrissy said as she walked past.
"Oh, well," Natsume said looking at Emily.
"Maybe we can take this opportunity to work more on the game?" Emily suggested.
"Yawn! Do something fun you guys!" Bea called back, "why don't you do something else, like playing a game for a change!"
"Maybe we could?" Emily sputtered, "I mean, I don't know much about them. Maybe I could help you more if I understand them a little better."
"Yeah, I'm not really in the mood to work at the moment anyway," said Natsume, "let's go to the game room."
"Sneaky, aren't you?" Tsubaki said with an evil smirk.
"They both look like they could stand to unwind a little," Bea joked as they walked off to find their own room.
"Boy your brother's interesting," Jane joked as she and Iori watched Tsubaki and Bea trick Emily and Natsume into going off to do something else rather than work.
"Yeah," Iori agreed, "would you like to go off and do something?"
"You know, I've never had a chance to take a leisurely stroll through the palace gardens and the conservatory. It might be nice to do it for once," Jane said.
"Then let's be off," Iori agreed happily, "do you want to get a cloak or jacket?"
"Not a bad idea," Jane agreed.
"What's a good idea?" Rose asked as she and Subaru walked past.
"We're going to go for a little walk through the gardens," Iori explained, "not quite ready for bed."
"You know I'm not too ready either," Rose mentioned casually.
"Yeah," Subaru agreed, "what do you want to do?"
"Me?" Rose said, "I well, I honestly wouldn't mind playing some basketball, especially in my dress. Might be kind of cool to see how well I can do in it."
"Well you don't do too well outside the dress," Subaru said.
"Did you just make a joke?" Rose asked.
"I think I did," Subaru realized, "I guess I just feel more relaxed around you, I can do that sort of thing."
Rose smiled. "Come on, let's go shoot some hoops!"
Futo watched as more guest filed out of the ball room.
"I guess the party's over," he said, "though I am glad. I'm exhausted."
"Me too, performing can wear you out a little. Of course, it's also exciting," Ami agreed.
"Damn straight!" Futo said, "why do you think I do it?"
Ami looked away embarrassed, "I, probably shouldn't give an honest answer to that."
"You're right, you shouldn't. Otherwise, you'd be getting a worse punishment than you're getting from dancing with Yusuke!" Futo warned.
"Yes, I know how your punishments go," Ami joked, gracing Futo's cheek with a kiss. Futo moaned.
"Well maybe it won't be too harsh," he said, "but I'm still going to punish Yusuke severely!"
"Won't that make your sister, the princess, mad?" Ami asked.
"I have ways to deal with her," Futo said smugly. He looked over at Ema and Yusuke who were both still bidding farewell to guests. He could see Yusuke looking board and tired. It did make him feel good seeing his brother suffering already.
...and I hope we can get together again soon."
"Yes thank you good sir," King Stephon said as he tried to gesture the man and his family to move, "I hope to as well."
"I mean it, your granddaughter would love to see our vast estate," the guest kept insisting.
"I'm sure she will," King Stephon said as he tried again to get the man to move on.
"And I greatly appreciate the invitation," Ema added, "I'll have to consider that once I've had a chance to rest. I'm sure some of my brothers would like to see it to." She cast a small glance towards Yusuke.
The man seemed to catch on, bowed one more time and hurried off.
"Well, that worked," Louis said a little playful.
"Mmm," Stephon monaed rubbing his face. He cast a glance around the ball room at the remaining guests. "If it means anything, I think it's safe for you to retire for the rest of the night. Most of the important guests you should bid good bye to are gone."
"Will you be going to bed too, Grandfather?" Ema asked.
"Oh yes! I'll be sleeping like a baby tonight!" the king insisted as he stood up, "Markus, Dimitri, take care."
"You too sire," Markus said bowing as Stephon walked past.
"Take care King Dimitri," Ema also said as she stood up. She looked around and noticed that her brothers were all walking off in their own directions with their lady friends. Ema hoped that they were off having fun and had enjoyed themselves during the ball.
"So Chi," Louis said as he also stood, "did you enjoy yourself?"
"I did, this whole thing was amazing!" Ema said, "how about you?"
"I did," Louis smiled towards Sophie, "I met the parents of Sophie who were my parents' best friends. They said they have old videos of them with me. I kind of like to see them before I go to France and meet my birth mother's family."
"That sounds sweet! I wouldn't mind seeing them as well, if you don't mind," said Ema.
"Of course Chi," Louis promised. He leaned over snd kissed her cheek. "Good night Chi, may this evening be the brand new start for us and our family."
"Thank you Louis, good night to you as well," said Ema. "You too Lady Sophie."
"Thank you, princess!" Sophie said as she hugged her, "I hope you and I become good friends in the future!"
"Me too!" Ema agreed.
"Want me to take you back to your room?" Yusuke offered.
"Yes, please," Ema blushed happily, letting Yusuke led her off.
Sophie looked at Louis as he watched the pair walk off together.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked.
"Just how happy I am for Chi in general. Finding her true self, while not loosing who she became on her own. Plus apparently, finding love with Yusuke. I wonder how I'll have to do her hair when she gets married that'll meet royal standards."
"A wedding?" Sophie said. "I do admit I like the idea of seeing Ema as a beautiful royal bride. But I kind of want to see her do a little more with her life before that."
"Well naturally," Louis agreed, "Chi practically has the whole world open to her. She has opportunities some other royals don't even have. And I hope she doesn't scwander it."
"Well said my Lord," Markus spoke up. Both Louis and Sophie jumped when they heard him, suddenly remember he was behind them. He smirked at them.
"Sophie, if you plan to stay the night here, make sure you behave yourself," he said as he walked a way
He seemed to give Louis a playful but still warning eye.
"Do you wish to spend the night Lady Sophie?" Louis asked.
"Maybe," Sophie said, "would you at least allow me a walk with you among the grounds?"
"My pleasure," Louis insisted. The two walked off to the gardens. As they walked along, they happen to noticed Iori and Jane in the gardens as well.
"Let's go this way, so we don't disturb them," Louis suggested, leading Sophie down another path.
"Oh, this goes towards the center of the main garden where the golden Maebe tress is," Sophie said as they walked until they came to the tree.
"Ah yes, were the squirrel scurry live?" Louis asked. He could hear what sounded like a party going on from the inside. He chuckled at the idea of the squirrels having a party.
He looked around at the four other trees that circled the Golden Maebe tree, each with their own unique blossom colors, blue, pink, white and purple.
"These are gorgeous," he mentioned, "it's amazing how they can each produce a different color blossoms."
"Oh Maebe trees are very unique," Sophie explained, "they'll produce the color of their blossoms based on when you plant the seeds. Blue is winter, pink is spring, white is summer and purple is autumn."
"Fascinating," Louis said as he looked around the different trees
"There's also a tradition with the trees and the royals," Sophie continued, "when a member is getting ready to marry, the groom, whether he's an actual member or marrying into the family, it's tradition for him to come to the gardens among the different trees and pick whatever color he likes best. The color he picks determines when the wedding should take place."
"Oh really?" Louis asked intrigued.
"Uncle Markus even got dad to do it and dad picked purple. So and my mother had a beautiful fall wedding," Sophie mentioned as she circled the purple tree.
"I see," Louis said, "do you know what color my father picked?"
"If I remember right, I think he picked purple too. I remember seeing some beautiful pictures of your parents wedding in France," Sophie recalled, "I'm sure my parents would know."
"Yes, I would like to see those," Louis agreed.
"Do you see a color you like?" Sophie asked softly.
Louis looked around, "white," he finally decided, "I like the white."
"Summer," Sophie said, "that's a fun time to have a wedding."
"Yes, everything's so bright and colorful," Louis agreed.
"Of course, you could change your mind when the time comes for you actually get married," Sophie said as she came out of from behind the purple tree.
"I suppose that is true," Louis said. He pulled Sophie close to him, "though I'm sure, any time of the year, you'd make a beautiful bride."
"Louis," Sophie blushed.
"I mean it, you're a beautiful woman Sophie, and you'll be even more beautiful the day you marry. I can only hope the man that is lucky enough to be your groom is worthy of you," Louis insisted as he gently stroked her face.
"I think he will be, even if he was just a simple hair designer from Japan," Sophie replied.
"You flatter me, fair maiden," Louis thanked her.
Both stared at each other in an affectionate manner, before Louis leaned in, giving Sophie a kiss.
Ema and Yusuke walked silently, but happily through the palace hallways. Yusuke could see a big smile on Ema's face the whole time they were walking.
He did feel glad she had enjoy herself during the ball instead of being overwhelm her and getting shunned by some of her other royal family members.
"Did you have a good time, Yusuke?" Ema suddenly asked.
"Hmm, it was ok," Yusuke admitted.
He heard Ema giggle.
"I know, you're not much for things like that?" she teased.
"Eh," Yusuke shrugged as he opened Ema's bedroom door for her, "I can handle 'em."
"Thank you for being there for me at least tonight," Ema mentioned.
"Well yeah, I'd be there for ya'" Yusuke insisted. He was suddenly caught off guard by Ema kissing him. He decided to not question it, but rather enjoy the moment. So he wrapped his arms around Ema's waist and pulled her closer, letting them enjoy the kiss longer.
"I almost feel tempted to invite you in," he heard Ema whisper, "but I don't know if it would be right."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Yusuke agreed reluctantly. Even though he hated it, it didn't feel like he should try anything with Ema tonight.
"Do you think we'll ever have tge right time?" he asked a little embarrassed.
Ema responded by kissing him again, "we'll just have to keep looking for it."
"Ok," Yusuke allowed. He pulled Ema closer and kissed her again.
The happy mood was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a throat being cleared. Ema and Yusuke both turned and saw Rintaro standing near with his arms folded.
"Papa!" Ema said in shock.
"I just came to see how you were doing and wish you good night," Rintaro said as he walked to the pair. Both teens pulled away. Rintaro eyed Yusuke before looking towards Ema. "So, how was your first royal ball?"
"Grand, I liked it," Ema assured him with an honest smile.
"Good," Rintaro said relieved. "You know, I'm sure plenty properly mentioned this, but, you looked so much like your mother tonight. She and your real dad would have been so proud of you."
"Really?" Ema asked with delight.
"Oh yes, I know because I was so proud of you. To think my own little girl had grown up so wonderful!" Rintaro continued to praise.
"Thank you Papa," Ema said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Get some sleep," Rintaro advised as he gently pushed her into her room.
"That's going to be hard!" Ema declared as she shut her doors.
The minute they were closed, Rintaro turned and looked Yusuke with a serious look.
"So, you and my daughter?" he said, "I know she said you two were getting close, but this close...,"
"Not close, not yet!" Yusuke insisted, "we both agreed I wouldn't "join her" tonight if that's what you're worried about!"
"Hmm," Rintaro muttered as he led Yusuke away. "You sure you can handle it? Being the boyfriend of a princess? Maybe being a prince yourself someday?"
"Sure, why not? I'm already going to be a knight. Don't knights usually get marry princesses?" Yusuke tried to brush it off.
"Well, if you say so," Rintaro said calmly, "I didn't get to properly thank you, did I, for being there with her when you first got taken. How you tried to protect her."
"Well, they didn't give me much of a choice. But I would have anyway," Yusuke admitted.
"I know, I know how much you care about her," said Rintaro. He patted Yusuke's shoulder, "just understand, there's a part of me that's still the protective father so, I may be a little hostile now and then."
"Eh, I wouldn't expect anything less," Yusuke shrugged his shoulders.
Ema hugged herself as she dropped down onto her bed.
"What a night! What a beautiful wonderful night!" she said to herself happily.
"Chi? Chi?"
Ema sat up and saw Juli in her window.
"Juli, there you are! Where have you been?" Ema asked as she hurried to the window.
"At the little squirrel soiree up in the Golden Maebe tree," Juli explained, "when balls like this happened, a lot of our brethren squirrels who with other royal family members at their own homes also come back. Good time to catch up."
"Really? How many of my relatives can understand you guys?" Ema asked.
"Any that's worthy to be king or queen," Juli explained, "speaking of which, how did it go? Meeting your extended family?"
"It was interesting," Ema tried to recall, "I even met some of my mother's other cousins. Grandfather's other niece and nephews, Regina, Wilton, Jake and Jack and Howard."
"Oh, Howard," Juli muttered, "such a pity what happened to Daisy."
"Was that his wife? Did you know her?" Ema asked.
"Yes, as much as a womanizer he was, Howard loved Daisy like crazy. They hadn't married by the time I left with your parents, but we all knew it was going to happen," Juli said.
"Can he hear you, Howard?" Ema asked.
"Oh yeah, even though he had no desire to be king. Same with the twins, they can hear us. The only other ones that can't are Regina and Wilton."
"And they're the ones that want to be king or queen the most," Ema mentioned out loud.
"Funny how that works huh?" Juli said. Ema strocked his head.
"I should warn you Juli, I think I'm in love," she said.
"Oh no!" Juli exclaimed, "ok who is he? Who's the wolf I'm going to have to beat up!"
"Juli calm down!" Ema ordered, "you're not to hurt him! But, it's Yusuke."
"The bad boy?! Really?!" Juli shouted, "what drew you to him?! You're a princess!"
"Who can say? What drew my mother, a princess, to my father?" Ema asked.
Juli groan.
"That's different," he muttered.
"Not by much," Ema insisted with a smirk. "Look Juli, please, you're just going to have to accept this for now. I know you want me to be happy right?"
"I suppose" Juli reluctantly agreed, rolling his eyes.
"Thank you," Ema said as she rubbed his head again.