Ema is growning up, and Fae feels proud of her. But as Fae taps her nails across the ceramic of the cup, she sighs. If she carries on like this, Ema would be heartbroken with her brothers pursuit.

"Good morning, Azoo." Fae greats, sipping her drink.

"Morning." He answers sluggishly. Fae sets her cup down on the table and stands, waiting in worry as Azusa steps down the stairs.

"Are you alright?" Fae tilts her head, Azusa slowly descending the stairs. "Would you like some food?"

"I'm fine and I don't have an appetite." Azusa stops at the bottom of the stairs. "Where's everyone else?"

"They've gone to the culture festival early to help set up. Are you going out?" Fae asks, eyeing him sceptically as he trots towards the table.

"Yeah." Azusa nods, managing a small smile.

"Are you sure you're alright? You're as white as a sheet."

"The headaches didn't go after I had those tablets for some reason." Azusa knocks his head with his fist gently. Her expression drops, more worrying filling her.

"Will you be alright going into work?"

"Yeah. But I need to get going." He sighs. He turns to leave only to clunch onto the chair and trip. Fae's eyes widen and she steps forward, holding his arm.

"Azus-ah!" Fae yelps as he falls forward suddenly, bringing her down too. "Azusa!" Fae looks down at his face, her hands braced on his chest as she leans over him.

"I'm okay..." Azusa says faintly. Fae stares at him in worry. He was sick, what could she do?

"Well, that's pretty bold of you. Jumping Azusa first thing in the morning? You're quite the go-getter." A male voice said from the stairs. She looks up at the man with long ginger hair.

"Hikaru!" Fae widens her eyes in surprise, sitting up slightly. He steps towards her, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his grey suit.

"How long do you plan to stay on top of Azusa?" Hikaru asks. And like electricity, Fae quickly removed her hands. Hikaru crouches down.

"Azusa, are you okay? Did you hit your head or anything?" Hikaru asks.

"Hika..." Azusa said faintly.

"Tell me, sis. How long has Azusa been like this?"

"For at least two days. I gave him headaches tablets yesterday but they didn't seem to work." Fae tightens her fist.

"He's broken out in a bad greasy sweat. On top of which, he's got a fever. We need to make him take time off right away." Hikaru informs. Azusa sits up sluggishly.

"I can't. I can't possibly take time off."

"Azusa." Fae said sternly, grabbing his shoulder. Azusa looks at her in surprise, as well as Hikaru.

"You wanted to do a good job for Tsubaki, right?" Azusa perks up at Fae. "This state you're in will never make Tsubaki happy. The performance you'll give will be terrible if you go like this. I'm not having you fail yourself and Tsubaki." Azusa's head bows.

"If it's a project you care about, that's all more the reason." Hikaru adds. "What do you think you're doing if you go in when you're not at your best?"

"But. .."

"Azusa." Hikaru warns.

"Alright." Fae looks over at the clock and panic sets in. She was meant to be at Haruhi's now.

"I'll take you to your room." Fae said, halling Azusa up.

"Fae, you can't keep your friend waiting." Hikaru smiles softly.

"But Azusa--"

"Go have fun, I'll sort him out." Hikaru takes Azusa off Fae and they both slowly walk up the stairs. Fae stands in her place, watching as they disappear around the corner. She sighs bitterly and grabs her cardigan before running to the elevator.

"I'm so bloody late!"

Fae walks in tow with Haruhi, both chatting as people walked around the school halls. "--and then Yusuke said her hair! He is seriously adorable." Fae laughs happily as Haruhi grins.

"But that brat is lacking. I would of taken it like a man and told her straight out." Haruhi grins.

"Course you would." Fae rolls her eyes. Then she spots a certain maid handing out filers.

"Emmy!"

"Fae!" Ema grins as she walks over. "Hari!"

"Stop." Fae holds up her hand, and Ema furrows her brow in confusion. Fae grins as she takes out her camera and snaps a quick pic. "Where's Yuse?"

"He's in the classroom. And so is Amai." Ema said as they started walking down the corridor. Fae hocks arms with Haruhi and he listens to both girls chat.

"I haven't seen Amai since we moved." Fae chirps. They enter the class to see maids and butlers serving the tables.

"It's my big sister!" Amai shouts happily, giving Fae a hug.

"'Big sister'?" A gruff voice asks. Fae turns to see Yusuke in a butler outfit, pulling at his tie in annoyance.

"Oh my god, Yuse! You look awesome!" Fae squeals as she takes out her camera, taking a picture of the blushing boy.

"Yeah, Fifi likes to be call big sister by everyone." Haruhi comments, answering Yuusuke's question. Yusuke stares at him and gulps. He had no idea Fae had such a handsome friend. He was tall and even if his eyes were a soft brown, they still felt like they struck holes through him. Haruhi sticks his hand out in greeting.

"I'm Haruhi. You must be Yuse." Haruhi teases.

"You must be Fae's friend." Yuusuke scoffs.

"Yeah, her friend. So if any of your brothers hurt her, you'll answer to me." Even if Haruhi held an innocent smile, he still sent shivers down Yuusuke's spine.

"Haru, no scaring Yuse." Fae scolds. Haruhi laughs as he slings his arm over Fae's shoulder carelessly. "Anyway, I know I was only here shortly but I just wanted to pop by. Amai, know that you're allowed to come over and hang out in Emmy's room anytime. And I'll see you two at home." Fae waves.

"Fae, are you going to see Fuuto too?" Ema asks.

"Ahh, that's just like you, Emmy. No forgetting any siblings." Fae giggles as she leaves the room with a small wave. "No matter how annoying they are."

"Still not forgiven that brat?" Haruhi asks.

"Eh, kind of. Forgive but never forget." Fae shrugs. "And get your grubby hands off me." Fae rolls her shoulder blades, Haruhi laughing at her as he stuffs his hands back in his pockets.

"Still can't believe you're related to that pop star. You always wished for a big family when you were younger."

"Yeah, and I got the dream family. It's a shame I got them ten years too late."

"Just be happy you finally got them."

"I'll only be happy if Emmy's happy."

"What's with you girl? Not everything should revolve around your little sister. I know she means the world to you but would you really give up a possible boyfriend for her?"

"Yes." Fae answers quickly. Haruhi sighs, shaking his head at her foolishness. 

"You tire me."

"But you love me really." Fae giggles.

"How can I not!" Haruhi teases, grabbing her cheeks. "You look like a little hamster."

"Ow! Ow! Drop! Stop! Down, boy!" Fae flails her hands around. Haruhi smirks as he lets go, leaving her to rub her reddened cheeks.

"Do you even know which class the brats in?"

"Erm..."

"No answer. That's so unlike you. You know everything."

"1-A. And God, you're lucky you're my friend."

"Correction. I'm your only friend." Fae scoffs.

"I have friends."

"Yeah. And they are all fictional."

"Books before boys." Fae grins.

"Fae!" Haruhi gasps. "I never knew you swung that way."

"Playoff. We're in public." Fae half-heartedly scolds. "Here's his class." Fae stops outside a dark room. She taps gently on the door, and moments later Fuuto steps out. He was dressed in a black cloak on top of an Edwardian era outfit, pale starchy makeup and sharp teeth. Fae squinks. There's no way the school drama department had enough to splurge on this tailored outfit. 

"I never knew the brat was emo." Fae whacks Haruhi's shoulder, holding in her laugh.

"Hi Fuuto," her grin drop to a supple smile, "just wanted to see how you were doing?" Fae tilts her head.

"How nice of you checking on me last. It's like you were saving the best." Fuuto gives her a crooked smile. He then looks up at the blond man. "Who's this?"

"This is Haruhi, but you don't need to know him." Fae looks up at Haruhi. "Go to the courtyard, there should be food." Fae said as she shoves cash in his hand. "Get me food." Fae pushes Haruhi's shoulder, directing the tall male towards the doors and he blindly walks that way. Fae looks back to Fuuto to see his gaze lingering on Haruhi.

"Is that your boyfriend?" Fuuto scrunches up his nose in disgust. Fae rolls her eyes.

"No, that's a friend of mine." Fae crosses her arms over her chest, looking him up and down.

"Do I look that incredible, sis?" Fuuto asks.

"Yeah, I'm honestly impressed. How'd you get the fangs to look so lifelike?" Fae asks, leaning forward slightly to get a closer look of the fangs.

"I have work. I'm doing a collection of my day-to-day life. So, it's going to include photos from the culture fest." He squints his face in mock glee. "Of course, my makeup and wardrobe are done by professionals." Fae leans back, her eyes brows furrowed.

"You could of just said makeup artist." She laughs through her nose. "What's your class doing?" Fae asks, pointing towards the door.

"I'm doing haunted house." Fuuto grins.

"Cool." Fae nods slowly. "I should get going." Fae shrugs, looking over her shoulder to the door that lead to the court yard.

"I'm not letting you go." Fuuto whispers, holding Fae's hands.

"Huh?"

"Just for a little while. I'm allowed to enjoy the culture fest, too, right?" Fae furrows her brow at him in annoyance. "Being a pop star is lonely. Because like I told you, even the culture fest turns into work for me. So, you could come for a little while, right, sis?" Fae gives him a blank stare.

"You could have just asked. I could never deny my cute little bro." She teases, grabbing his cheeks. His eyebrow twitches, but leads her into the room none the less.

"Thank you. Come over here. Let's enjoy a special stage."

"It's pretty dark in here."

"It sets the mood better that way, right?"

"Well, murders are typically done during night hours. So I guess you're right."

"Hold on a sec." Then UV lights are switched on and the fake blood on the flow glows.

"That's pretty cool. But the splatters not right." She mutters as she taps the substance with her finger. "Fuuto?" She calls, only to have him hug her from behind. "What are you doing?" Her voice drops, unimpressed.

"I've got a beautiful woman all to myself. You can't do this, sis. You have to be suspicious of men. Or maybe it means my acting has really come together."

"I'm always suspicious of people. But I can admit your acting has improved, but not enough to fool me." She smirks, shirking away from him.

"Still acting tough, are we? It just makes it all the more satisfying when you fall on your knees to me. This is your fault, sis. Flitting about amount us brothers... How many will you need dancing to your tune before you're satisfied?"

"I'm not doing anything. I'm treating you like my brothers." 

"But I'll solve that problem for you." Fae acts quickly. She grabs his wrists and holds them above his body.

"If you agree to stop then I'll release you."

"Drop me, woman." Fuuto orders, squirming around. His jaw tightens as he breaths through his nose.

"I'm your sister, Emmy is your sister." Fae hisses. "If you act like this again nothing will be the same." Fae then drops his wrists, stepping away. 

"What I like I take. I don't need your permission." He bites back, rubbing his wrists.

"You don't get through life like that, Fuuto. I can't have you ruining Emmy's chance of a family."

"That's all you really care about. If that girl wasn't here then you'd probably leave, wouldn't you?"

"Yes, I would have no other reasons to stay in that household. So, if you do anything to make her want to leave. I'll help her and go too."

"All my folks are such saps. Being made fools of by someone like you..." Fuuto leans forward again. Images flash through her mind as she growls in disapproval and kicks him in the guts. Fuuto drops to the floor, knocking over a curtain.

"Ow, you're so rough." Fuuto laughs. Fae panics and crouches by his side.

"I am so sorry. I didn't mean to kick that hard." She places her hand on his shoulder.

"I'm surprised you'd do that to me." Fuuto clutches his stomach, wincing in pain.

"I just want Emmy to have a family, to have what she deserves. I can't get involved with anyone." Fae tells him in frustration, guilt flashing in her eyes.

"Oh?" He pauses, lifting his head. Now he's closer to her than ever before. Fae is kneeling over him, her breath fanning over his face. He studies her, eyes gauging her reaction. "You've gotten way more interesting than before. In order for you to pick, you have to betray Ema's trust. But if you pick Ema, you won't have anyone. But that just makes the conquest all the more enjoyable. I'll make you mine next time. So remember that." He then kisses her eyelid. She stares blankly for a second as he walks out the room in silence. 

If I pick one of them, I'll break Emmy's trust, but if I pick Emmy, I'll break them.

She stands up and clenches her fists. But first she needed to collect herself. She can't believe that she hurt Fuuto, but then again he walked off like she didn't just kick him in the gut. But then again he was a good actor. She whacks her forehead.

"I forgot about Haruhi." She groans.

"Is this where Tsubaki took you?" Haruhi asks as they seat themselves down at a booth.

"Yeah. They have nice drinks." Fae notes as she picks up the menu propped on the table.

"Beer?"

"No, teas and coffee." Fae grins as she passed him the menu.

"Coffees better."

"Only if they don't have a weird tea."

"I thought you liked coffee."

"I do, but bubble tea's cool." Fae laughs. "Maybe some sort of meat. Sandwich maybe..."

"I'll have a black coffee and a quiche." Haruhi sighs, placing down the menu.

"Bubble tea and a prawn sandwich." Fae grins. They quickly order their food and wait patiently.

"Any more news with Sume?"

"Haven't seen them in a while." Haruhi shrugs, leaning back.

"Oh..." Fae rubs her forehead. "I feel funny today."

"You look it too."

"So charming, but I'm being serious. I feel off." Fae leans against her palm.

"Perhaps you ate something weird."

"Maybe." 

If you call betraying Emmy food.

"Yeah, you're definitely off. I think it's because you've kept your inner nerd in."

"I'm not a nerd." Haruhi raises a brow at her. "Not a total nerd."

"You'd still be a total nerd if you hadn't found me."

"I'd admit that. But because of you, outside of school, I was a yankee." Fae huffs.

"You'll always be my Yankee." Haruhi laughs.

"I'm an officer, not a Yankee." Fae shakes her head in dismay. The food arrives at the table and they both start eating.

"This is so good!" Fae beams as she scoops up more ice cream.

"What's with you and sweet things."

"What? Food is food. I don't care if it's savoury or sweet. Speaking of savoury, can I have some of yours." Fae asks, giving him puppy dog eyes. Haruhi scowls. "And they say girls are emotional. One moment you're happy and the next, grumpy. Make up your mind." Fae pouts. Haruhi sighs as he holds up his fork, waiting for Fae to take it. Fae smirks and leans forward, biting it with a stupid grin. Haruhi gives her a blank stare as she laughs.

Click!

"What a lovely picture. I'm sure the boys would love to see this."

"Hikaru, what are you doing here?" Fae asks as Haruhi watches this man sceptically.

"I had a meeting with my editor. But what a lovely surprise when I see my little sister eating off another man's fork." Hikaru smiles. "Luckily I was here to catch the moment." Hikaru waves his camera. Fae stares at him blankly before smiling.

"Can I have a copy?" She asks hopefully. Hikaru falters slightly as a small smirk appears on Haruhi's face.

"Of the photo?" Hikaru inquires, squinting his eyes.

"Yeah. I don't have many of Haruhi." She smiles happily, then stares up at Hikaru innocently. "Are you doing anything, Hikaru?" 

"No. I'm free for the rest of the day." Hikaru smiles.

"Come sit with us." Fae ushers, moving up and patting the space beside her.

"Don't mind if I do." Hikaru squishes in with Fae, a happy smile on his face. He places his elbows on the table and looks Haruhi over.

"Is this your boyfriend?" Hikaru asks as Haruhi stiffens.

"No. Haruhi is a childhood friend of mine."

"Fifi, just say friend."

"But childhood sounds cooler." Fae shrugs.

"Such a shame to be put in the friend zone," Hikaru smirks.

"I already have someone I like." Haruhi smiles at the mention of it.

"But you won't tell me." Fae pouts.

"That's because I know you'll do a background check." Haruhi rolls his eyes. "So which brother are you?" Haruhi asks, changing the subject.

"I'm Hikaru, the fourth son and writer." He holds his hand out.

"Haruhi." He shakes firmly. Haruhi chuckles quietly as he looks at Fae. She instantly knew what he was thinking and her cheeks turn pink.

"The writer?" Haruhi repeats, teasing in his voice.

"Yes?" Hikaru is unsure but seems pleased. He turns to Fae to see her avoiding eye contact.

"Don't you dare--"

"She loves your books."

"Haru!" Fae's eyes are wide, embarrassment crawling all over her.

"I remember her saying she'd read them, but I never knew she was a fan." Hikaru and Haruhi watch as Fae fidgets in her seat.

"Yep. Before she went off to the academy she forced me to go to one of your book signings." Fae watches in despair now as she awkwardly sips her bubble tea.

"Really? How old were you then? 17 or maybe 18?"

"16." Haruhi grins.

"You are so going to regret that." Fae glares at Haruhi.

"I don't think he should. It's nice to know that you admire my work." Fae now turns red at Hikaru's words.

"Erm I-no I just..." She glares at her drink. "Haruhi, I hate you." Both males laugh at her loss for words. God, she hated to be embarrassed. Especially in front of her brothers.

"What happened with Azusa?" Fae changes the subject.

"He's alright now, I put him in bed then gave him some pills," Hikaru informs.

"I hope he gets better." Fae sighs. Hikaru hums in agreement.

"We all do."

"Azusa's the voice actor, ain't he?" Haruhi asks.

"Yeah. I hope he can still do the recording." She plays with her food absentmindedly.

"Don't worry about us, you're the little sister. We can't have you being so mature." Hikaru smiles.

"Mature?" Haruhi asks.

"Playoff." Fae purses her lips.

"Why? What's our little sister like?" Hikaru asks with a smile.

"I regret inviting you." Fae deadpans, falling back into the booth and crossing her arms.

"She has lots of moods." Haruhi smirks but doesn't say anymore.

"Thank you." She mumbles before remembering something. "Hikaru, this morning you knew I was going out with Haruhi. How?"

"Tsubaki was complaining about it to himself yesterday. He seemed very upset." Hikaru points out.

"Sounds like him." She huffs. "Just because he's my older brother doesn't mean he has to act like one."

"What do you want him to act like then?" Hikaru asks, his eyes gleaming.

"A friend." Fae rolls her eyes at the insinuation. He's like a giddy high schooler. Wants the gossip and the drama. Hikaru surveys her before looking down at his watch.

"Well I best get going." Hikaru smiles.

"Really?" Fae blinks owlishly. Even if they were teasing her, she liked spending time with him.

"Yes, sadly I have another meeting to go too. It was lovely meeting you Haruhi, see you at home Fae." Hikaru pats her head and leaves.

"Look who's the family dog." Haruhi chuckles.

"It's sisterly affection." She speaks over the rim of her drink. 

"But that's not what you want. I bet you have lots of sexual tension pent up in there." He smiles smugly.

"Haru!" She scolds. "They're my brothers, I can't go around getting involved with them! Imagine how awkward it'd be for Emmy."

"Really? For Emmy? I think you're using that as an excuse." Haruhi raises a brow. Fae stares at him for a second. 

As an excuse? I mean sure that did put a barrier between the sibling's-to-lover's line but that's not why I use it.

"I don't see any of them as men, just brothers." She purses her lips, scowling. she shakes her drink, sighing before looking back at him. "Anyway... Slept with Sume yet?"