As per usual, dinner with the Asahinas seems like it will be a riot. The ghost of Ema's manners leads her to the kitchen, where she pleads with Ukyo about helping the dinner preparations.
Inside, there's a whirlwind: cupboards flung open, spices on the counter, and a bok choy hanging on by a thread against Ukyo's knife. The pot of boiling water bubbles enticingly in between Ema's words.
"Please, I'm more than happy to help. I can't sit around while you're working so hard!"
Ukyo had paused his chopping to take in the two gremlins that wandered into his place of respite. His eyes bounce in disbelief between her hands, Iori's hands, and the breadcrumb trail of dirt the two of them had accidentally tracked into the kitchen entrance.
Behind fogging glasses, Ukyo's eyes soften. This is exactly the brand of trouble that Ema should be getting into regularly. That doesn't mean he can let it stand.
"Ema, I always appreciate any help I can get with this lot, but I think you're getting ahead of yourself. First thing first, this is a flower-free zone." Ukyo softly plucks a petal out of her hair, waving it for emphasis.
Iori stifles a giggle at the surprised look on her face.
"We just got a little carried away. It's rare that I get anyone so willing to assist with the planting," Iori said with a light nonchalance in his voice.
Ema's pleading, chocolate-brown eyes shine brightly in the light of the kitchen. They aren't even directed at him, but Iori still feels a little bit of that gravitational pull to agree to whatever she wants. He leans toward Ema, pretending to whisper.
"And none of my brothers know how to treat something delicately. You should've seen what was left of my succulents after Ukyo man-handled them."
Ukyo groans, a sound almost hidden behind the sudden whistle of the pot. It burbles happily in contrast to his brother's expression of annoyance
"That's it, now you're being conscripted! Go clean up and get back here. You're both on kitchen duty."
"Yes!" "No!" Ema and Iori chirp in unison before dashing to the bathroom to wash their hands.
On the way back to the kitchen, Ema reaches up to hold onto Iori's arm. He stops in his tracks; turns, tilts his head in a way that reminds Ema eerily of Juli. They both have the share the same wide-eyed, harmlessly cute look. It only serves to increase the guilt.
"You worked really hard with the planting today. If you want, I'll vouch for you so you don't have to help with the cooking. I'll tell Ukyo-san Fuuto needed your help with something. He'll back me up!"
Iori laughs lightly, marveling at her little sly streak.
"Don't you worry, this was all part of the plan. You helped me out with my flowers, I think it's only right to return the favor." He smiles, gently pushing Ema forward and back into the warmth of the kitchen.
In a house full of rambunctious brothers, moments like these—where he can come together with his loved ones and encounter opportunities to bond with Ema too—are worth their weight in gold. After gardening, watching the many expressions flit across her face might be his new favorite hobby.